Work is underway on the 336-megawatt Dundonnell Wind Farm, which will generate enough clean energy to power 245,000 Victorian homes thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's Victorian Renewable Energy Target.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio today commended Tilt Renewables on their work to get this major $560 million 80-turbine wind farm near Mortlake underway.
The wind farm is set to provide a major boost for the local economy, delivering around 200 construction jobs and 1,500 indirect jobs, with local wind turbine assembly set to commence in Australia for the first time in over 10 years to supply this project.
Geelong's brand new Vestas Renewable Energy Hub (VREH) on the former Ford site will build the turbines for this project, which will be underpinned by 64 per cent local content under the Labor Government's Victorian Industry Participation Policy.
The Dundonnell Wind Farm was made possible thanks to the Labor Government's Victorian Renewable Energy Target reverse auction, which will see more than 900 MW of new clean energy developed, helping to drive down energy prices for Victorian families and provide more clean energy for Victoria.
Together, these projects across Victoria will generate $1.1 billion of economic investment in regional Victoria and create more than 900 jobs, including 270 apprenticeships and traineeships.
The Labor Government is increasing Victoria's Renewable Energy Target to 50 per cent by 2030 - putting more clean energy into the grid, increasing investment and driving down energy prices.
Once operational, the Dundonnell Wind Farm will reduce emissions by roughly 1.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year. Construction is expected to take around two years and be fully completed in late 2020.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio
"The Dundonnell Wind Farm will not only reduce energy prices but will create jobs across south-west Victoria, all jobs that the Liberals fought tooth and nail against."
"We're proud to make Victoria the leader in renewable energy - this is great for jobs, reducing emissions and driving down energy prices - with our position only growing stronger as more wind farms get underway."