Atmos Renewables is developing the Macorna Wind Farm, located on Barapa Barapa Country in the Loddon Mallee region.
Macorna Wind Farm
Located around the town of Macorna, approximately 100 km north of Bendigo, the proposed Macorna Wind Farm was started by local brothers Don and Graham Webb through their company, WindFarmers Energy Group. Don and Graham identified the site, commenced preliminary studies and continue to lead landowner and community engagement for the project.
With more than 20 years of renewable energy experience as well as a history of farming and irrigation, Don and Graham bring valuable knowledge and a strong connection to the region.
WindFarmers Energy Group has been joined by Atmos Renewables to deliver the project for the community. Early partnership in the development process will ensure direct and seamless integration of the wind farm operator and the forming of long term relationships with landholders and the broader community.
The Macorna area was chosen because it offers strong and steady winds, flat and cleared farmland, and good access to existing and proposed electricity infrastructure.
The project has recently lodged an Environment Effects Statement (EES) Referral with the Victorian Government. This is an important early step to determine whether an EES is required and what assessments may be needed.
If approvals are granted, construction is expected to begin in 2029 and the wind farm would operate for 30–35 years.
Project Partners
Real benefits for local people
During development of the project $50,000 per annum will be available to support local projects via sponsorships, grants or in kind contributions. To date funding support has included:
$25,000 – Macorna Netball court resurfacing
$46,000 – Northern District Community Health supporting local nursing and Pyramid Hill Health Centre fitout.
During construction and operation of the project $3,000 per turbine, per annum will be available to support local projects sponsorships, grants or in kind contributions. Based on the current project layout this is estimated to be over $340,000 per annum.
A nearby neighbour payment program is proposed for the project, with payments of up to $20,000 per annum for eligible dwellings up to 3.5 km from an installed wind turbine location.
A annual energy offset of up to $1,000 per annum will be implemented for eligible dwellings out to 6 km from an installed wind turbine. Eligible dwellings will include habitable dwellings as of 1st September 2026.
The project will be required to make Payments in Lieu of Rates (PiLOR) to both the Loddon an Gannwarra councils. Current PiLOR includes both a fixed charge and variable rate based on the final project capacity. Based on the current layout PiLOR is estimated to total over $1.2 million per annum.
“I’ve known some people in this community since school days, others I’ve played sport with or connected through family and in later years, installed irrigation systems on some of the farms here.
I know these people have worked very hard to grow their farming businesses and many are significant employers and highly progressive.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the support of the wind farm backs further agricultural development, while helping to drought proof these farmers and the community.”
Graham Webb - WindFarmers Energy
“When I played junior football against Macorna, we only knew of wind mills that pumped water from dams. Then when I started in this industry, turbines were small and limited to the windiest sites along the coast.
Now with modern technology accessing good wind speeds at greater heights, site viability drivers have shifted more toward low construction costs, scale and grid connection opportunity - all key aspects of the Macorna project.
It’s great to be back at Macorna, and be partnering with a major player in Atmos to bring some real benefits to the club and community.”
Don Webb - WindFarmers Energy
Why here?
The project’s location has been determined due to several factors, including:
Reliable wind speeds across flat, cleared farming land
Close to existing and proposed electricity infrastructure
Within the proposed North West Renewable Energy Zone
The total investigation area of the wind farm is around 26,000 hectares.
Only a small part of this investigation area would host turbines and infrastructure. The vast majority of the land will continue to be used exclusively for existing agricultural practices.
The project layout has been refined over time to balance energy generation with environmental and community considerations.
Design of the project is being undertaken in close collaboration with landowners to ensure impacts to existing farm practices, including irrigation infrastructure, are reduced as far as possible. This process is ongoing. As part of the environmental assessment and planning process, and to inform the turbine layout, extensive technical assessments are conducted.
Further refinements may occur as additional studies and consultation are completed.
Proposed Infrastructure Layout
