23 Jun Nature Advisory welcomes guidance on biodiversity and wind energy in Victoria.

By Bernard O’Callaghan

The Victorian Government has provided clearer guidance around the consideration of biodiversity and key species in the development of renewable energy projects in the state. Nature Advisory was glad to be involved in various consultations on the guidance, especially on Brolga and bats, and recommendations that we made were incorporated into the document.

The Government stated it was taking steps to balance the protection of Victoria’s unique biodiversity and protection of key species during the energy transition. The new publication, titled “Handbook for the development of renewable energy in Victoria“ (May 2025), provides an invaluable resource to enable developers and decision makers to better assess and address impacts on birds and bats from renewable energy projects early in the process. 

The Handbook also outlines an updated list of bird and bat species that are particularly at risk of impact from the operation of onshore wind turbines, and guidance for bat and bird monitoring and management plans.

Nature Advisory can assist developers working on applications for wind energy and related facilities in Victoria to understand the new guidance and consider how this will impact on their developments. We can also provide advice to clients on assessing the changes in consideration of all species of concern, in particular Brolga and species such as the critically endangered Southern Bent-winged Bat.