Status
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Background
Elgin Energy Pty Ltd is the proponent of Barwon Solar Farm which involves the development and operation of a 330-megawatt (MW) solar farm and a 250MW battery energy storage system.
The project is in the Balliang/Little River region on the lands of the Wadawurrung First Nations people, approximately 30 km north of Geelong, at 1000-1320 Little River-Ripley Road, Little River.
The project site covers an area of 735 ha, with solar panels proposed to cover approximately 505 ha of the total site area (65%). Further associated project infrastructure includes inverters/transformers, an internal road system, 2.3 metre (m) high fence around the solar farm, a 35 m voltage lattice transmission tower, substation control room, water tanks, security cameras, visual amelioration screen planting and business signage.
Environment report exhibition
The environment report for the Barwon Solar Farm project will be on public exhibition between Saturday 22 November 2025 and 11.59pm on Sunday 7 December 2025.
View the environment report on Engage Victoria.
Submissions
Submissions on the environment report can be submitted through the Engage Victoria platform.
Minister's decision on referral
On 26 August 2024, the Victorian Minister for Planning decided under the Environment Effects Act that an environment effects statement (EES) is not required for this project, subject to conditions being met to assess and manage specific impacts. The Minister’s decision requires Elgin Energy to prepare an environment report in consultation with the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and to the satisfaction of the Minister for Planning.
On 2 February 2024, the project (action) was determined to be a ‘controlled action’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act by the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water’s delegate, as it is likely to have a significant impact on matters of national environmental significance (MNES) protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act.
Assessment of the project under the EPBC Act is being undertaken by the State via the accredited Environmental Report process, as set out in Schedule 1 (part 5) of the Bilateral (Assessment) Agreement between the Commonwealth and Victorian governments under section 45 of the EPBC Act (the Bilateral Agreement).
Referral
More information
If you have any questions, please get in touch via the contact details below.
Elgin Energy Pty Ltd
Elgin Energy Pty Ltd: Jonathan Mills, Director Urbis.
☎ Phone: +61 3 9617 6613
✉ Email: barwonsolarfarm@urbis.com.au
EES and Environment Report assessment process queries:
Impact Assessment Unit
☎ Phone: (03) 8622 7633
✉ Email: environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au
Page last updated: 27/11/25