Councils disappointed by permit for Swansons Lane wind farm

Published on 08 January 2026

The Mayors of Corangamite and Moyne Shire Councils have expressed disappointment in the granting of a planning permit for the proposed Swansons Lane wind farm, after previously objecting to the application.

The Victorian Planning Minister announced on 29 December 2025 a permit had been granted to the wind farm proponent RE Future.

Corangamite Shire Mayor, Cr Kate Makin said a lack of meaningful community consultation meant this project had no social license from nearby residents and farmers.

“The developer has made virtually no effort to engage with all affected landowners throughout the application process, showing little respect for our community,” said Cr Makin.

“We can’t understand how this project was approved when it sits well outside the State Government’s own proposed Renewable Energy Zones, and fails to meet so many of the proposed guidelines in the draft Victorian Transmission Plan,” she said.

The same developer has also lodged an application for the Mumblin Wind Farm, west of Cobden which is further away from the proposed REZ than Swansons Lane wind farm.

Cr Makin said Corangamite Councillors will consider the application at their meeting later this month, including the possibility of making a formal submission.

“I encourage affected community members to make a submission before the deadline on Monday 2 February 2026,” she said.

“Again, we are seeing very little in community engagement or benefit.”

Moyne Shire Mayor, Cr Jordan Lockett said the lack of engagement meant there was little detail about any community and economic benefits from the wind farm.

“The people and farmers who will be most impacted by these turbines have heard very little about what lasting benefits will come to their local community,” said Cr Lockett.

“What we did hear were objections to this project from the community – over 100 submissions were lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning against the application,” he said.

“We maintain that having a wind farm less than 5km from Garvoc township is simply too close, it is not the right location, especially being prime agricultural land,” he said.

Both Mayors also cited concerns over the impact on the local road network, and potential for negative outcomes for neighbouring farming operations.