Wind farm declared major project

The $1.5 billion project is expected to create 200+ jobs over two years of construction, and now Cellars Hill Wind Farm has been declared a major project.

A Goldwind turbine installed at Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Tasmania.

The Cellars Hill Wind Farm has been declared a major project, the state government announced on Wednesday.

The decision means the proposed development in the central highlands will be assessed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission rather than local councils.

The $1.5 billion development is expected to create up to 238 jobs during the two-year construction phase and a further 14 once complete.

Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan. Picture: Alison Foletta

Minister for Energy and Renewables Nick Duigan said today’s move will secure Tasmania’s position as a renewable energy powerhouse.

The government will legislate to ensure large renewables projects are automatically declared major projects.

“We want to see more projects getting off the ground sooner, this change will allow more large renewable energy projects like Cellars Hill to automatically become eligible for major project assessment, should proponents choose that path,” Mr Duigan said. said.

“We are absolutely committed to enabling job-creating developments like Cellars Hill, ensuring we generate the energy we need, and grow the economy.”

Minister for Housing, Planning, and Consumer Affairs, Felix Ellis said developments like the Cellars Hill Wind Farm are driving forces for economic growth, job creation, and progress.  

“Cellars Hill Wind Farm is large, complex and significant for the region and our state – it’s clear this is a Major Project and will now be assessed under our streamlined pathway,” Minister Ellis said.

“Wind farms are the majority of major projects being assessed currently by the Tasmanian Planning Commission, with four large scale wind generation projects around the state choosing this pathway.