Moyne Shire has "long supported" renewable energy. So why did it reject a five-turbine wind farm?

Moyne Shire councillors have voted unanimously to reject a proposed five-turbine wind farm near Garvoc.

The Swansons Lane Wind Farm planning permit application, put forward by RE Future, would see two turbines built within Moyne Shire and three in neighbouring Corangamite, on land around 2-3km from Garvoc.

At 252 metres high, the turbines would be among the tallest in the region, with power fed into the local distribution network via an on-site substation.

Mayor Karen Foster said in a statement that while the council supports the state’s transition to renewable energy, the proposal was not in the right location, and failed to deliver adequate community benefit schemes.

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

She said many residents had been left frustrated with what they saw as a lack of engagement. More than 100 public submissions have been lodged against the project, raising concerns about impacts on agriculture, property values, amenity and road safety.

“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.”

Councillor Lisa Ryan said the objection reinforced council’s responsibility to protect agricultural land and community amenity, while strengthening its credibility as a “fair but rigorous participant” in renewable energy planning.

Councillor Myra Murrihy argued that approving projects outside the designated Renewable Energy Zones undermined state policy, describing it as setting “a ridiculous precedent”.

Councillor Jim Doukas said he hoped the government would “use a bit of common sense” when weighing up community concerns.

Moyne and Corangamite shires have written jointly to the Minister for Planning, calling for stronger standards and clearer policy for renewable projects across the south-west.

RE Future said it planned to introduce a community benefit scheme, including payments to nearby households, energy efficiency subsidies and funding for local schools and projects.