Hexham Wind Farm EES Outcome Demonstrates Effective Wind Farm Biodiversity Management

The Hexham Wind Farm has reached a significant milestone, with the Victorian Minister for Planning concluding that the project's environmental effects are acceptable and can be effectively managed and mitigated through the recommended environmental management measures.

Located in south-west Victoria, the project is proposed to comprise up to 106 wind turbines and generate enough renewable energy to make a meaningful contribution to Victoria's emissions reduction targets and energy transition.

Nature Advisory's Role in the EES Process

Nature Advisory is proud to have supported the project throughout the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process. Working alongside the broader project team, our specialists provided ecological expert advice on key biodiversity matters including Brolga, bats, birds, terrestrial and aquatic fauna and native vegetation, helping to inform project design, impact assessment, mitigation measures and environmental management approaches.

Innovative Biodiversity Solutions for Brolga and Southern Bent-wing Bat

Nature Advisory developed innovative approaches to mitigation in particular for the listed Brolga, and Southern Bent-Wing Bat (SBWB). These approaches involved a tailored method to map and avoid Brolga habitat, and a habitat buffer and curtailment strategy drawing on international evidence to reduce exposure of SBWB to turbine collision risk. These approaches were commended by DEECA and DCCEEW and have been put forward by the regulators as examples of how these matters may be addressed on other projects. Nature Advisory has a long history of innovation and leadership in the wind farm space in Australia, and this project is testament to the continuation of these values.

Balancing Renewable Energy Development and Biodiversity Outcomes

Complex projects require more than the identification of environmental constraints. They require practical, scientifically robust solutions that balance environmental responsibility with the need to deliver critical infrastructure. Through collaboration with the project team, regulators and stakeholders, Nature Advisory helped the client navigate complex ecological considerations and support a pathway toward acceptable environmental outcomes.

The Minister's assessment found that impacts on biodiversity values, including native vegetation, threatened species, birds and bats, can be appropriately managed and mitigated, subject to the implementation of management measures and environmental offsets where required. This outcome reflects the value of early planning, robust assessment and collaborative problem-solving in achieving positive outcomes for both development and the environment.

We congratulate our client, Wind Prospect, and project partners on reaching this important milestone and look forward to supporting the project as it progresses through the next stages of planning and delivery.