Declaration of Major Project – Whaleback Ridge Renewable Energy

The Minister for Planning has declared the proposed Whaleback Ridge windfarm a major project under section 60O of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 effective 6 March 2024.

What happens next?

Declaration of a major project by the Minister means the proposal is now subject to the major project assessment process coordinated by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.

Further information on project eligibility, the role of the Minister and opportunities for the public to ‘Have Your Say’ during the assessment process is also available in the Major Projects Assessment Process.

What is the major project?

The Whaleback Ridge Renewable Energy Project, located near Zeehan in western Tasmania, is intended to be developed in stages. It involves the establishment of up to 500 wind turbine generators, with a projected generating capacity of approximately 3,000 Megawatts.

The proponent, Westcoast Renewable Energy Pty Ltd, has identified a wide area of turbine exclusion zones.

The Project includes the development of collector substations, access roads, office and workshop facilities, installation of overhead and underground transmission lines, and the use of mobile concrete batching plants. Temporary on-site quarries may also be required.

Details of the major project declaration

The declaration came into effect on 6 March 2024.

A copy of the declaration can be downloaded through the following Gazette link:

Major Project Declaration – Whaleback Ridge Renewable Energy - Gazette Notice