Council objects to Swansons Lane wind farm

Published on 23 September 2025

Wind farm 5 turbines web.jpg

Moyne Shire Council has formally lodged an objection to the proposed Swansons Lane Wind Farm planning permit application, raising concerns about the project’s location, process and potential impacts.

The proposal, currently on public notice, seeks approval for a five-turbine wind farm – two turbines within Moyne Shire and three within Corangamite Shire – on land around two to three kilometres from Garvoc. The project would connect into the electrical distribution network via an on-site substation rather than through the transmission network.

Mayor, Cr Karen Foster, said Council’s submission to the State Government’s Minister for Planning highlighted a range of issues that did not align with Council’s renewable energy policy or the expectations of the community.

“Moyne has long supported renewable energy projects that are well planned, well located and deliver clear benefits to our communities,” Cr Foster said.

“However, this proposal falls well short.

“It is too close to the Garvoc township, located in the heart of highly productive dairy farmland and sits outside the South West Renewable Energy Zone where projects of this scale should be directed.

“Importantly, there has also been a lack of engagement with the community before the application was lodged, which has left people frustrated and uncertain.”

Council’s submission outlines concerns including:

  • The proximity of turbines less than five kilometres from Garvoc township.
  • Location on highly productive dairy land, contrary to Council’s position on protecting agricultural districts.
  • Lack of detail on community benefit, decommissioning and aviation safety.
  • Incomplete and inconsistent technical reports, particularly traffic and transport assessments.
  • The need for consistent planning approaches for projects both inside and outside Renewable Energy Zones.
  • Uncertainty around the implications of the recently announced Victorian Transmission Plan (Amendment VC268).

More than 100 community submissions have also been lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning, citing concerns about agriculture, property values, environmental impacts, road safety, construction impacts and amenity issues such as noise, shadow flicker and visual intrusion.

Cr Foster said the scale of community concern reinforced Council’s position.

“The community has been clear – this proposal does not meet the mark. Renewable energy is part of our future, but it must not come at the expense of farming or proper planning standards,” she said.

Moyne Shire has joined with Corangamite Shire in submitting a joint Mayoral letter to the Minister for Planning calling for stronger standards and clearer policy direction for renewable energy projects across south-west Victoria

“Councils and communities need certainty. Projects should only proceed where they are appropriately located, where impacts are properly addressed, and where benefits are shared,” Cr Foster said.

Council’s submission requests clarification from the Department of Transport and Planning on the next steps before the Minister makes a final decision.

 

See Council's submission here.

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