A controversial wind farm near Muswellbrook has been given the green light to proceed despite objections from 50 nearby residents.
The Independent Planning Commission announced it has granted Ark Energy conditional approval for the massive wind turbines at Bowmans Creek.
The Commission found the proposed site is suitable given its location within the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone, proximity to existing electricity transmission networks, topography, wind resources, access to the regional road network, and avoidance of major environmental constraints.
The $569 million wind farm to feature 54 wind turbines up to 220 metres high.
The Commission told the company it must implement visual impact mitigation measures including landscape screening on the land of any non-associated residence within 4.4km of a turbine, undertake noise monitoring with the results to be published on its website and manage traffic and transport impacts in consultation with the local community.
