In short:
Victoria is expanding wind energy as it moves away from coal, with new projects aimed at boosting supply and cutting emissions. The debate continues over reliability, costs and what it means for fast-growing communities like Wyndham.
Wind to Play Bigger Part in State Energy
Victoria is continuing its shift toward wind energy as part of the state’s broader transition away from coal, with early works now underway on the SEC Delburn Wind Farm near the Latrobe Valley.
The project, led by the State Electricity Commission, will include 33 turbines with a planned capacity of up to 205 megawatts.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March, with the wind farm expected to be operational by 2028. Once online, it is forecast to generate enough electricity to supply more than 130,000 homes.
The SEC will retain full ownership of the wind farm. The State Government says the project will support more than 300 jobs during construction and deliver around $22 million in community and neighbour benefit programs over its operating life.
Local suppliers across Gippsland have been invited to participate, drawing on the region’s long history in energy generation and existing transmission infrastructure.
The Delburn project is the first wind farm in Victoria to reach financial close in the past 12 months and marks the SEC’s return to power generation in Gippsland for the first time since the commission was sold in the 1990s.
Supporters of wind energy argue it plays a critical role in reducing emissions and diversifying the electricity grid. Wind farms generate power without direct emissions once built and can contribute to long-term energy supply when combined with battery storage and other firming technologies.
However, wind energy also has limitations. Output depends on weather conditions, requiring backup from storage, gas or other dispatchable sources to ensure reliability.
Large-scale wind projects can also raise concerns around visual impact, land use, noise and the cost of new transmission infrastructure needed to move electricity from regional areas to population centres.
For fast-growing municipalities such as Wyndham, the impact of wind energy projects is largely indirect.
While Wyndham does not host major renewable generation, its rapidly growing population continues to drive electricity demand.
Any benefits from wind energy are more likely to be felt through wholesale pricing, grid stability and long-term supply planning rather than local job creation.
As Victoria accelerates investment in wind and other renewables, debate continues over how these projects balance affordability, reliability and community impact — particularly for households already facing cost-of-living pressures.
