Mumblin wind farm
In Victoria, any proposal to construct, extend or operate a wind farm requires a planning permit from the Minister for Planning.
Such applications are processed on behalf of the Minister for Planning by the Department of Transport and Planning.
Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Minister for Planning must consult with Corangamite Shire Council on all planning applications that apply to or may materially affect land within its municipal district.
After the Minister consulted Council about the proposed wind farm development on Curdies-Leichfield Road, Elingamite North, about 8 km southwest of Cobden, Council objected and made multiple submissions to the Minister for Planning.
The minister approved the Planning Permit on Thursday 25 June 2026.
Council's key objections
Planning and agriculture The proposal fails to address its impact on Corangamite’s high value dairy farming land, which makes a significant contribution at a state and national level.
Fire risk The fire risk assessment rates the fire risk in the project area as low rather than high. Under the relevant CFA guidelines high is the appropriate rating given the presence of Bushfire Management Overlay on the site, and the history of bushfires and presence of peat soils in the area.
Aviation Safety The application doesn’t adequately consider the Cobden Aerodrome Master Plan, underrates current operations, and does not consider proposed future development and operations, or future certification with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Wildlife and Environment The application does not adequately address the impact of the proposal on threatened bat species and native vegetation, nor does it provide sufficient mitigation measures.
Transport and roads The transport assessment is inadequate. It has not been prepared by a suitably qualified engineer and is not fit for purpose.
Inadequate community engagement The developer’s engagement with Council and the community has fallen well short of the standards expected under Victoria’s wind energy guidelines and demonstrated by other permit applicants for wind energy proposals and other proposals.