Planning pathway
This page shares the latest consultation events, local sponsorships, and benefit-sharing opportunities related to Cellars Hill Wind Farm.
Major Project status
Tasmanian Minister for Housing, Planning and Consumer Affairs, Hon Felix Ellis MP, has declared the Cellars Hill Wind Farm project a Major Project for its scale as well as contribution to the region’s economy, environment or social fabric.
The Major Project process is facilitated via division 2A of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. The Tasmanian Planning Commission acts on behalf of the Minister for Planning as the Planning Authority for the Major Project process.
Now that it has been declared a Major Project, the Cellars Hill Wind Farm proposal will be assessed by an independent expert panel, appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The Tasmanian Planning Commission will prepare assessment criteria for the project in consultation with the community and regulators.
A Major Project Impact Statement (MPIS) will be prepared to provide a comprehensive assessment of the impacts of the project. In addition, Cellars Hill Wind Farm has been referred to the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) due to its potential to impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES), notably flora and fauna impacts.
Why was this project declared a Major Project?
The Minister determined that the Project was eligible because:
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It will significantly increase the generation of renewable electricity, contributing up to 1140Gw hours per annum towards the Tasmanian Renewable Energy Target of 200% renewable energy by 2040, supporting communities and industry in the Central Highlands and Tasmania as a whole.
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The project has a planned capital investment in excess of $1 billion, while delivering major economic, environmental and social benefits, generating employment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stimulating further investment in the region.
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The project will create approximately 238 construction jobs, and a further 14 operational positions, which will increase consumer spending within the region, benefiting local businesses.
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Opportunities will arise for industries involved in the renewable energy supply chain, and through attracting industries such as timber processing, green fertiliser, green fuels for transport, and even data centres that require a reliable, low-cost renewable energy source.
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It aligns with the regional profile, sustainable land use strategy and policy directions set out in the Southern Tasmania Regional Land Use Strategy that support renewable energy infrastructure.
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The size of the project area (8,460 hectares) and complexity of the project requires a co-ordinated assessment of the project’s impacts upon agricultural and forestry lands, and 27 native vegetation communities within the site, along with broader consideration of environmental, health, economic, social and Aboriginal cultural heritage effects of the project.
Planning pathway
1
Major Project Proposal (completed)
Feasibility and technical studies were conducted to determine the suitability of the project as Major Project Proposal.
The proponent engaged in pre-application discussions with key stakeholders, the local council and the community to gain insights that guided the overall concept and design of Cellars Hill Wind Farm.
2
Major Project Impact Statement (in progress)
Now declared as a Major Project, the Tasmanian Planning Commission has established an independent Development Assessment Panel.
The Panel is preparing assessment criteria, including EPBC Act requirements, in consultation with the community and regulators. A Major Project Impact Statement (MPIS) will be prepared in response to these assessment criteria. The MPIS will be provided to the Panel and participating regulators for initial assessment.
The proponent will begin preparations to submit the MPIS with detailed plans, environmental impact assessments, and any other required documentation.
3
Assessment
The Development Assessment Panel will assess the MPIS against the requirements of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, along with environmental impacts, infrastructure adequacy, and community benefits or concerns.
During this period, the application is publicly advertised, whereby community members can provide submissions, and a public hearing is held.
4
Decision
The Development Assessment Panel will determine whether a permit will be granted, and a final assessment report will be issued.
5
Construction
Subject to necessary approvals in late 2026, construction of the wind farm could begin in 2027 and become operational in 2029/30.