Planning & Environment
State Planning Approval
Vestas is seeking planning approval for the proposed Piambong Wind Farm under State Significant Development (SSD) Consent under Division 4.7 of part 4 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) as well as associated assessment bulletins. This will require a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to be prepared by an independent and suitably qualified environmental consultant in accordance with the NSW Government’s Wind Energy Framework.
The Scoping Report
Vestas submitted a Scoping Report for the Project to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in November 2023. The Scoping Report describes the Project and identifies the scale and types of associated potential impacts and benefits.
DPHI reviewed the Scoping Report and issued Vestas with a Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) in December 2023. The SEARs identify information to be included in the EIS. DPHI issued an updated SEARs in May 2025 to align the requirements with the new planning guidelines that came into effect in November 2024.
The Scoping Report and SEARs are available on the NSW Government’s Major Projects website.
The Environmental Impact Statement
Based on the recommendations of the SEARs, Vestas will undertake the required detailed studies on potential visual, noise, biodiversity, traffic, cultural heritage and other environmental and social impacts associated with the Project. The results of these studies, together with feedback from the local community and stakeholders, will inform the Project’s design and be documented in the Project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
Federal EPBC Approval
Vestas will refer the proposed development to the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) regarding matters considered in the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity (EPBC) Act. This initial referral will lead to a determination of the assessment requirements, and the pathway that will be required for approval under the EPBC Act.
Overall, Vestas will undertake detailed biodiversity assessments to ensure any potential impacts to key animal and plant species and ecological communities are carefully considered and addressed.