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NSW approves 1,400MW Baldon wind farm near Hay
The NSW planning commission approved the Baldon Wind Farm near Hay in southern New South Wales, despite strong community opposition.
The project is planned to have 175 turbines as tall as 300 metres, making them taller than any now operating in the state.
It is expected to produce up to 1,400 megawatts of electricity, but Baldon has no access to the South West Renewable Energy Zone’s main transmission lines.
In its first stage, the company plans to build 45 turbines and connect them through a separate power line.
The approval requires a traffic plan, local road upgrades and repairs, and a plan to decommission and restore the site.
These conditions address concerns about traffic, contamination and the project’s long-term effects.
The project can proceed under those conditions, while the company may seek access to the regional transmission lines later.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission approved Goldwind Capital’s 1,400-megawatt Baldon Wind Farm near Hay.
The project will have 175 turbines, each up to 300 metres tall.
It was referred to the commission after substantial community opposition.
Approval conditions include road upgrades and maintenance, a traffic-management plan, and a decommissioning and rehabilitation plan.
Baldon did not receive access to transmission infrastructure in the South West Renewable Energy Zone and will initially connect through a separate transmission line.
- Who
- The NSW Independent Planning Commission approved the project, which is being developed by Goldwind Capital.
- What
- Approval was granted for the 1,400-megawatt Baldon Wind Farm, with 175 turbines up to 300 metres tall.
- When
- The approval was reported on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- About 64 kilometres south-west of Hay, in southern NSW.
- Why
- The project is intended to generate electricity. The commission imposed conditions to address concerns including traffic, contamination and decommissioning.
Community opponents
Hay Shire Council
Community consultation
Community opponents
72 of 80 submissions opposed the project.
Hay Shire Council
Hay Shire Council supported the project.
EnergyCo awarded access rights to South West Renewable Energy Zone transmission infrastructure to four projects; Baldon was not among them.
The NSW Independent Planning Commission approved the Baldon Wind Farm subject to conditions.
- Capacity
- 1,400 megawatts
- Turbines
- 175, up to 300 metres tall
- Location
- About 64 kilometres south-west of Hay
- Consultation submissions
- 72 of 80 opposed the project
- Stage one
- 45 turbines are planned
- Grid connection
- The 220kV X5 Balranald to Darlington Point transmission line