NSW Independent Planning Commission approves Bowmans Creek Wind Farm in Hunter region

Residents review an artist’s rendering of the Bowmans Creek wind farm. (ABC Upper Hunter: Jake Lapham)

The NSW Independent Planning Commission has signed off on a proposal for a $590 million wind farm in the coal-rich Upper Hunter.

Ark Energy has received approval to set up 54 turbines east of Muswellbrook, capable of generating 335 megawatts.

They will be more than 200 metres high.

The company said it was an “exciting achievement” and it looked forward to contributing to the state’s renewable energy targets and helping to drive down wholesale electricity prices.

The Bowman’s Creek wind farm has been controversial in the community, with most of the 130 public submissions to the planning commission objecting to the project.

Landholders raised concerns about noise, visual impacts, bushfire risks and land-clearing in the quiet rural area.

The planning commission said it decided to approve the wind farm due to the project aligning with the state’s energy framework to lower emissions and its proximity to existing transmission networks and regional road and rail corridors.

But the approval comes with conditions of consent on the company.

The Bowman’s Creek project was originally slated to have 60 turbines but now must not exceed 54 turbines.

Ark Energy is also required to adhere to noise monitoring, minimise the impact on traffic during the construction phase and prepare a detailed plan to rehabilitate the area once the project is decommissioned.

The company said it listened to locals and modified the design to address community concerns.

It comes just under a year after the nearby Liddell coal-fired power station was switched off after operating for more than 50 years.

The approval has been welcomed by Business Hunter, with the project offering 150 construction jobs and 15 ongoing positions.

“That diversification of jobs is something that has been anticipated in this region for a long time,” chief executive Bob Hawes said.

“There’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes to make sure that we can start having training and skills development to adapt to these new forms of energy.

“Hopefully this does give others encouragement to come forward and start proceeding with projects … and we’re expediting these applications wherever we can.”