Frequently asked questions
Information for community and stakeholders
Renewable energy
Why renewable energy projects are being investigated in NSW State forests
The NSW Government is committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050, and renewable energy has a key role to play in this transition.
Renewable energy opportunities are well suited to pine plantations in State forests because they:
- have existing roads and access to transmission infrastructure
- are located in windy areas
- offer large contiguous tracts of land for strings of turbines
- are located away from residential areas — minimising impacts to communities.
Renewable energy can complement a region’s timber production and may also strengthen regional prosperity with infrastructure and employment benefits during construction and operation.
Investigations underway
Several companies have been granted permission to investigate and plan potential windfarms within State forest pine plantations.
Investigations are currently underway for potential wind farms in:
- Sunny Corner State Forest to Someva Renewables and Mainstream Renewable Power Joint Venture for the proposed Sunny Corner Wind Farm
- State Forests in the Bondo (Tumut) area to Neoen for the proposed Bondo Wind Farm
- State Forests in the Orange area to Iberdrola Australia for the proposed Four Mile Creek Wind Farm and Mullion Creek Wind Farm
- State Forests in the Black Springs area to TagEnergy and Stromlo Energy for the proposed Pines Wind Farm.
Permits and planning
These companies have permits that authorise them to consult with community and conduct technical and environmental studies and assessments. They are not authorised to build or operate wind farms.
Companies are expected to take several years:
- completing wind studies
- consulting with the community and stakeholders
- conducting environmental studies and impact assessments
- designing projects
- negotiating grid connection
- seeking NSW government planning approval.
Project timeline
Having your say
Each permit holder must carry out extensive community engagement, which is now underway. Contact the relevant permit holder to engage with them on specific details of the investigations phase of each proposed project.
As the land manager, Forestry Corporation is working with permit holders to ensure their community consultation is in line with our principles and policies
Visit the following websites for more information: