Federal Government announces new wind farm between Palmer and Tungkillo

A new wind farm expected to power around 144,000 homes and create over 200 jobs has been earmarked for the Hills, but not everyone is happy.

A new Hills wind farm has been given the green light by the federal government, with 40 wind turbines set for construction between Palmer and Tungkillo.

The 288-megawatt Palmer Wind Farm will connect into the South Australian electricity network and is expected to power around 144,000 homes.

A new wind farm has been given the green light between Palmer and Tungkillo. Picture: supplied.

The project, which is expected to provide around 220 construction jobs – with five ongoing jobs once construction is completed – is being developed by Tilt Renewables.

The announcement comes as the project received environmental approval under the federal government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

However, Tilt Renewables is still awaiting approval from SA’s State Commission Assessment Panel, after the original design – which was approved – was revised to reduce the number of turbines from 103 to 40 while increasing their height.

Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said the project showed the Albanese Government was making progress with Australia’s renewable energy transition.

“I’ve ticked off more than 55 renewable energy projects in two years – more than the Abbott and Turnbull Governments combined and enough to power more than three million Australian homes,” she said.

“Australians have a choice between a renewable energy transition that’s already underway and driving down prices or paying for an expensive nuclear fantasy that may never happen.”

But federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Albanese Government was ignoring local opposition to the project in pursuit of its “renewables only agenda”.

“This is a project that has caused significant concerns for the local community, who have campaigned against the proposal,” he said.

“It’s disappointing that it’s proceeding, notwithstanding that opposition, and worse still it will generate expensive electricity, which is doing nothing to address the cost of living crisis we’re all experiencing … putting electricity prices out of reach of everyday, ordinary Australians.”

Ms Plibersek disagreed saying projects such as the Palmer Wind Farm would boost energy capacity and subsequently put downward pressure on prices.

Attacking along party lines, Ms Plibersek said Labor’s renewable transformation was ultimately “delivering cheaper, cleaner power”, claiming Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s nuclear plan was “an expensive fantasy that may never happen”.

While the Mid Murray Council would not comment on the Palmer Wind Farm announcement, Mayor Simone Bailey has previously pointed out some of the negative financial impacts local renewable projects have on council’s coffers.

In a public column posted online in April this year, Ms Bailey said “state government regulations prevented council from raising rates on energy producing infrastructure”.

“The disparity in how different types of infrastructure are taxed is unjust and gives the electricity generating industry preferential treatment over all other ratepayers”.

The Mid Murray Council already faces significant financial difficulties, with Ms Bailey arguing the potential need to reduce services and close both offices and amenities.