The Bell Bay Wind Farm site has been selected because of, amongst others, the excellent known wind resource, the current land use hosting electrical transmission and gas infrastructure, and its proximity to the George Town substation, the Port of Bell Bay, and the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone. 

The Bell Bay Wind Farm (also referred to herein as the Project) will be located 6 km north east of George Town along Soldiers Settlement Road between Bell Buoy beach and Beechford.  

The project name reflects its proximity to the Bell Bay industrial and energy hub, including the Bell Bay Port and the George Town substation. These facilities are critical for transporting components and connecting the wind farm to the electricity network. Bell Bay Wind Farm was chosen because Bell Bay is the recognised regional centre for energy infrastructure and manufacturing. 

The Project will host up to 28 wind turbines and have a generating capacity of up to 224MW. The wind turbines themselves will have a capacity of up to 8MW and a tip height of up to 270 metres.  

No. The project is only seeking planning approval for up to 28 wind turbines, and the maximum height of 270 meters. 

We are still finalising the turbine layout for the Project. The design of the wind farm will comply with a suite of criteria established by the independent Tasmanian Planning Commission that require us to demonstrate that the wind farm will protect the amenity of nearby residences and towns. 

The Project includes a network of internal roads, underground cables connecting the individual wind turbines, a substation and operational facilities. A transmission line will connect the Project site to George Town substation (8 km). The transmission line will run next to the existing Bass Link transmission line. The project may also include a battery energy storage facility. 

Currently there is minimal generating capacity in Tasmania to support any electricity usage beyond the current levels of demand.  While Tasmania is 100% net sufficient in renewable energy generation, at times it still acts as an importer of energy from the Australian mainland via the Basslink interconnector. To encourage growth and to maintain its image as a clean state whose electricity supply is dominated by clean energy sources, Tasmania needs more renewable energy generation like that which could be generated by the Bell Bay Wind Farm. This additional generation can support electrification of transport and industry and to support the growth of existing and new industries.  Additional wind generation in Tasmania can also delay the deployment of hydro generation, allowing water to be stored and utilised at more strategic times. 

The primary purpose of the Bell Bay Wind Farm is to strengthen Tasmania’s local energy supply. The electricity generated will feed into Tasmania’s grid, supporting electrification and local industries.  

While Tasmania is part of the National Electricity Market and can export surplus power via Basslink, and in future via the proposed Marinus Link, local supply remains the priority.  

Hydro and solar are important parts of Tasmania’s energy mix, but relying on them alone is not enough to ensure a secure and balanced energy system. Hydro output depends on rainfall and dam levels, which can vary during dry periods and solar generation is limited to daylight hours with production being lower in winter. 

Wind complements these sources by providing renewable energy at times when hydro and solar may be less available. Additional wind generation also provides the opportunity for hydro resources to be saved, increasing the volume of stored water than can reduce the exposure of Tasmania’s electricity system to prolonged droughts.  A diverse mix of renewables makes Tasmania’s electricity system more reliable. 

The exact effect the project will have on Tasmanian electricity prices cannot be quantified at this time.  Fundamentally, new electricity generation is needed to support the increasing demand for electricity in Tasmania and across Australia.  The CSIRO notes that renewable energy such as wind are the cheapest sources of new bulk electricity supply, and therefore are the cheapest way to supply much needed new generation into the electricity grid (you can view the report here). However rising costs for building and maintaining the transmission network needed to move the power is amongst the key causes of recent increases in electricity bills.  Bell Bay Wind Fam only needs to build 8km of new transmission line to facilitate its connection into the electricity network.  This is shorter that most other renewable energy projects across the country.  Therefore, Bell Bay Wind Farm represents a very cost effective way of supplying new electricity. 

The Project will deliver a Community Benefits (CBF) Program, ensuring that local communities directly benefit. The CBF program will be co-designed with community and will run from construction through the operational life of the Project.  

The building and installing of wind turbines requires materials such as steel, concrete, fibreglass, copper, and other metals, all of which have a carbon footprint. As part of the approvals process we undertake a greenhouse gas assessment to quantify the impact of the Project and identify areas where emissions can be reduced across all life stages of the Project from construction to decommissioning. 

While the manufacture of components and construction of the wind turbines will cause carbon emissions, this is offset by clean energy they produce during operation in as little as five months – around 1/60th of its expected operating life. 

Once installed, turbines produce carbon-free electricity for decades. Compared to other energy sources, wind power has a much smaller carbon footprint – about 99% lower than coal, 98% lower than natural gas, and 75% lower than solar (Forbes, 2022).

We are still designing the layout of the Project - taking into consideration the current land uses, social and environmental values of the site. The layout is designed to optimise the clearance of native vegetation and any impacts to agricultural production. As the layout is refined, we will be able to confirm the area that will be impacted and this will be clearly documented in the approvals documentation. 

Noise assessments are currently being carried out in accordance with strict regulatory standards. These assessments will help inform the final layout of the Project. The specialist reports will be available as part of the approvals documentation. 

We are undertaking a number a specialist studies across the Project site to help us understand potential impacts and to inform the design of the Project to minimise impacts where possible. The approvals documentation will document the impacts and detail how these will be managed during construction and operation. 

Minimising construction impacts on wildlife involves understanding the location of sensitive areas via ecological surveys, creating no go zones around sensitive habitats during construction, and developing wildlife management plans. The following key strategies are expected be implemented during the construction and operation of the project:   

• Inductions and training of staff,  

• Having an independent ecologist to monitor compliance during construction and operations,  

• Scheduling construction to avoid sensitive periods such as breeding or nesting seasons,  

• Limiting traffic speeds and movements,  

• Installing sediment and erosion control,  

• Using technology such as identi-flight to control the operation of the wind farm in the event of eagles approach the site,  

• Managing construction wastes,  

• Reducing light and noise pollution, and  

• Relocating fauna. 

Low-frequency noise refers to sound at the lower end of the audible range, generally below 200 hertz. These sounds are deep and rumbling in character and can come from natural sources such as wind or thunder, as well as certain types of machinery. 

Wind turbines in Australia do not generate harmful levels of low-frequency noise. Research has found that the amount of low-frequency sound produced is well below the threshold that could be detected by people or cause any health concerns. For more information on this subject please visit the Clean Energy Council website, here.

Wind turbines can generate very low levels of vibration during operation, but these vibrations are typically absorbed by the turbine foundation and the immediate surrounding ground that does not extend beyond a few metres. Considering the distance between the turbines and houses this is not expected to impact people.  

Assessments are being carried out by acoustic specialists to measure current conditions and predict potential impacts from construction and operation, with any identified issues managed through design, measures will be put in place to minimise disturbance.  

Shadow flicker may only occur during a limited set of conditions, namely when the sun is closer to the horizon, the sun is not obstructed by clouds, the wind direction is such that turbine is oriented so the rotor face is perpendicular to the receptor, and there is sufficient wind to cause the rotor of the wind turbine to rotate.  Independent specialists are carrying out a shadow flicker assessment to evaluate potential impacts on neighbouring dwellings. The outcome of this will inform the design of the wind farm to avoid or minimise shadow flicker at nearby homes, ensuring it remains well within regulatory limits.  

An aviation impact assessment is currently underway and will inform whether aviation or safety lighting is required. 

Photo montages have been created to simulate what the project will look like from nearby areas like Beechford and Bell Buoy Beach, Low Head and in the distant view from Kelso using the current concept layout. These images are based on a concept layout using a turbine with a tip height of 270 meters. Once a final layout is designed the images will be redeveloped for community consultation and also form part of the landscape visual impact assessment. You can view these photo montages on the Bell Bay Wind Farm Engagement Hub page, here.

In late 2025, some wind farm operators in Australia confirmed that white asbestos (chrysotile) was detected in small brake pads used in turbine lift systems. The asbestos was only found in lift/hoist brake components inside the tower.  These lifts are used by technicians to travel up the turbine.  Authorities have consistently said that no airborne asbestos was detected at affected turbines, no community exposure risk was identified, and independent testing found zero risk of community exposure because the material was sealed inside brake assemblies within the tower (more information, here).  The root cause of this issue appears to be a supply chain failure. 

As we continue to assess which make and model of wind turbine would be most suitable for the Bell Bay Wind Farm site, we will undertake a rigorous due diligence assessment of the wind turbine to mitigate the risk of this supply chain failure impacting the project. 

We understand that community is concerned about the potential of the Project impacting land and housing prices. A socio-economic impact assessment is currently being prepared and will consider the potential impact. 

During the construction phase, there may be impacts on the surrounding road network as materials, machinery, and turbine components are delivered to the site. Possible changes to traffic conditions include: 

• Increased traffic volumes 

• More heavy vehicles 

• Reduced travel speeds 

• Minor upgrades to public roads and intersections, if required 

To manage traffic impacts, we will develop a Traffic Management Plan in consultation with state and local road authorities. This plan will ensure construction traffic is managed safely and in compliance with all relevant regulations. 

The team will also complete a road condition survey before construction begins and repeat the survey once construction is finished. If any deterioration is identified, the team will restore the roads to their original condition once construction is completed. 

Minor road upgrades may be needed to allow safe delivery of turbine components and construction materials. If upgrades are required, they will be carried out in consultation with road authorities. The project will cover the cost of any necessary improvements and will restore roads to their original condition once construction is complete. 

The construction impacts will be characterised as part of the impact assessment and management measures for implementation during construction will be identified. These are expected to form part of the permit requirements of the Project which will be regulated during construction. Some common management measures include: 

• Dust: Water trucks and other dust suppression methods will be used as needed
• Noise: Construction activities will comply with relevant noise regulations, and work will be scheduled to reduce disturbance
• Road safety: A Traffic Management Plan will be developed in consultation with road authorities to ensure safe transport of materials and equipment
• Hours of work: Construction is expected to generally take place during 7 am to 7 pm, with any extended hours communicated in advance. 

The Project has been declared a Major Project in accordance with the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (Tasmania). This means the project will undergo an independent assessment process managed by the independent Tasmanian Planning Commission.  We have been issued with assessment criteria and will prepare a Major Project Impact Statement (MPIS) which will detail the outcomes of the specialist studies in response to the assessment criteria. The MPIS will be placed on public display for 14 days and community and stakeholders will have an opportunity to make a submission on the project. There will also be public hearings held where those (or representatives) who have made a submission can raise their concerns. We will provide advanced notice as to when this period of public display will occur.  You can learn more about the process and opportunities to have your say, here. 

The Project has also been declared a Controlled Action under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Commonwealth). This is an independent assessment process managed by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. We have been issued assessment guidelines and will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) which will detail the outcomes of the specialist studies in response to the assessment guidelines. The EIS will be placed on public display for a period of at least 20 days and community and stakeholders will have an opportunity to make a submission on the project. We will provide advanced notice as to when this period of public display will occur.  

We have prepared information sheets about the Project, these are available on the Bell Bay Wind Farm Engagement Hub (ehub), here. On ehub, you can also register to receive updates, provide feedback, and express your interest in community benefit opportunities. 

We will keep you informed as the project progresses via our newsletters, website and online engagement platform. We also welcome your questions or feedback at any time, you can get in touch using the links and phone numbers below. 

We will continue working closely with community and stakeholders as we develop the Project. Community sessions are a great way to meet the team, learn more about the Project, ask questions and raise any concerns. We welcome everyone to come along and plan to have quarterly sessions through the development phase. You can also reach out to the team through the Ehub or on 1800 161 249.  

We are also establishing a community reference group (CRG), to provide an opportunity for community to be more formerly involved in the Project. The CRC will be a way to share information and receive feedback from the community and develop the community benefit sharing strategy. 

As part of the approvals processes there will be formal opportunities to make submissions on the project during the exhibition periods for the Major Project Impact Statement and the Environmental Impact Statement and via the public hearings. You can learn more about these opportunities here. 

The Project will generate jobs both directly related to the construction and operation of the wind farm and indirectly through increased demand for goods and services. 

Up to 180 direct jobs are expected during the construction phase and will cover a wide range of industries from civil and electrical contracting, earthworks, temporary construction facilities, safety and fencing, right through to accommodation, cleaning and catering. We will try to source as many of these positions for the local region and Tasmania more broadly.  

Once the wind farm is operational, there will be around 12 ongoing roles to manage and maintain the site. 

Beyond the construction and operation of the wind farm, projects like this also help to strengthen the local economy by supporting the growth of new industries. George Town municipality has higher‑than‑average unemployment, including among young people, so creating new pathways into emerging sectors can have long‑lasting benefits for the region. Renewable energy projects often attract supporting businesses such as electrical services, maintenance contractors, training providers and logistics support which can create further jobs and diversify the local industry base over time. 

The project team is working with our key contractors and bodies such as Skills Tasmania to identify training and apprenticeship opportunities for local workers. This may include roles in construction, electrical work, and maintenance. Updates will be shared on the Bell Bay Wind Farm Engagement Hub as they become available. 

Local businesses can register their interest through the Bell Bay Wind Farm Engagement Hub here, attend information sessions, and share their capabilities with the project team. 

The process of awarding project work packages will be developed by our contractors and registered businesses will be notified and given the chance to participate. 

In collaboration with local industries, chambers of commerce and regional and local economic development teams, we will hold a series of supplier sessions closer to construction. 

A Community Benefit Sharing (CBS) program will be developed to identify local priorities and work collaboratively with the community to shape how benefits are delivered, ensuring they reflect what matters most to residents. A Community Reference Group will be established in early 2026 to guide the development of the CBS program. 

Membership will be determined through an open expression-of-interest process to ensure broad representation from local stakeholder groups. This approach is intended to make decision-making transparent and inclusive. You can view the guidelines here.