17 July 2025
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has today approved the Pottinger Wind Farm project (SSD-59235464), located within the South West Renewable Energy Zone, approximately 60 km south of Hay and 75 km north of Deniliquin within the Hay Shire and Edward River LGAs.
Pottinger Renewables – a joint venture between AGL Energy and Someva Renewables – sought approval for the 1,300 MW wind farm, comprising up to 247 turbines, a 500 MW / 2,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS), and associated infrastructure. The project will generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 593,000 homes per year, according to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The BESS will enhance grid stability and energy security. Construction is expected to create approximately 900 jobs, with 40 ongoing operational jobs.
This State significant development (SSD) application was referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission for determination because more than 50 public objections were made to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure during its assessment of the Project.
The three-member Panel, comprising Richard Pearson (Chair), Sarah Dinning and Michael Wright, met with key stakeholders, conducted a site inspection and locality tour, and held public meetings in Hay and Deniliquin where they heard from 33 speakers and received 56 written submissions.
In its Statement of Reasons for Decision, the Commission found that “the site is particularly suitable for this project due to its strong wind resource, sparse population, direct access to the electricity grid and minimal impact on agricultural activities” and it “supports the NSW Government’s commitments to transition to clean energy.”
The Commission considered concerns raised through submissions relating to the energy transition, biodiversity, socio-economic and cumulative impacts. The Commission has imposed conditions of consent to minimise the adverse impacts of the project by requiring Pottinger Renewables to:
- avoid impacts on threatened ecological communities and species, including the endangered Plains-wanderer and retire biodiversity credits where impacts can not be avoided;
- reduce social impacts by preparing an Accommodation and Employment Strategy that prioritises local employment and ensures the provision of on-site accommodation and health services;
- minimise road and traffic disruptions, including impacts on stock movements, school bus routes and other road users, through required road upgrades and developing a protocol for movement of high-risk heavy vehicles;
- ensure responsible waste management, addressing potential hazards such as those related to battery storage and contamination;
- develop a comprehensive Emergency Plan and detailed procedures in collaboration with the RFS and other relevant agencies;
- prepare a detailed Decommissioning and Rehabilitation Plan to ensure that the site is restored to a safe, stable and non-polluting condition once the development is concluded; and
- manage cumulative impacts in the context of other renewable energy projects within the SW REZ and the broader region.
All documents relating to the assessment and determination of this proposal can be found on the Commission’s website.