Lease agreement sets stage for regional jobs and community benefits from Lake Victoria Wind Farm
The planned $3.8 billion wind farm in Wentworth Shire, NSW, will support farmers, neighbours, and the local community while generating renewable energy for 700,000 homes.
The NSW Government has signed a lease agreement with WestWind Energy to facilitate the development of the Lake Victoria Wind Farm, a renewable energy project proposed for Crown land 30 kilometres northwest of Wentworth. The agreement allows for an initial 25-year lease, with options to extend for an additional 14 years, enabling WestWind Energy to proceed with planning and community consultation.
The project, which will require planning approval before construction begins, is set to involve an estimated capital expenditure of $3.8 billion. It will feature up to 201 wind turbines with a total capacity of about 1,000 megawatts, generating around 3,400 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power 700,000 homes. The wind farm will also include three battery energy storage systems with a combined capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours to support energy reliability.
The construction phase is projected to create up to 375 jobs, while 70 long-term roles will be required for operations and maintenance. The site, which spans 41,669 hectares of agricultural land, will also contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 2.2 million tonnes annually.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper noted the project's broader benefits, stating, “The Lake Victoria Wind Farm proposal has the potential to deliver major economic investment, well-paid regional jobs, and more green energy for NSW.”
“The rental income will be reinvested into the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund to maintain and improve Crown reserves across the state, such as regional showgrounds, war memorials, and community sporting grounds.”
The Lake Victoria Wind Farm will be assessed as a State Significant Development once WestWind Energy lodges a development application. Construction is anticipated to take place between 2029 and 2032, pending approval.
The wind farm will provide financial benefits to host landholders, offering stable, long-term income through lease arrangements. Improved access roads built for turbine construction will also enhance property management and bushfire response.
Neighbours of the wind farm will be eligible for payments through a Neighbour Benefits Sharing Program. This initiative offers financial incentives to properties located near the turbines, with payments commencing during construction and continuing throughout the project's operational life, expected to be 25–35 years.
WestWind Energy has also committed to establishing a Community Benefit Scheme (CBS) in consultation with local residents. The company plans to contribute at least $2,000 per turbine annually to the scheme, providing ongoing support for community initiatives once the wind farm is operational.
Community consultation will continue to balance renewable energy development with local needs and environmental considerations.
