General News
10 August, 2026
Caretaker race a possibility
EUROPEAN Energy has not ruled out seeking approval of its plans for Mincha wind farm before the State Government enters caretaker mode in October.
EUROPEAN Energy has not ruled out seeking approval of its plans for Mincha wind farm before the State Government enters caretaker mode in October.
The Danish-based company last week had a day of consultation in Pyramid Hill that saw opponents protest outside the community centre.
Trucks and tractors carried signs. Members of the Loddon Valley Renewable Awareness Group were addressed by Loddon Mayor Dan Straub and Gannawarra Mayor Garner Smith.
A spokesperson for European Energy said on Tuesday: “All the feedback we received at the recent information sessions will be considered as we continue to develop the project and refine its layout.
“In the coming weeks we’ll release an amended draft of the project layout based on everything we’ve heard and learned from locals and ongoing technical studies.
“It’s likely that the turbine locations will be moved based on information received from locals and ongoing technical studies.
“There are numerous reasons that a turbine may be moved or scrapped from the plan including results of impact assessments, feedback from stakeholders, wind speed and direction, local infrastructure, environmental factors, changes in project scope and many others.
“European Energy Australia is aiming to finalise our plan and application by the end of the year but that may not happen before the Victorian Government enters caretaker mode.”
European Energy plans to erect 64 turbines about 250 metres high at Mincha. Opponents say the turbines will be higher than the town’s famous hill.
Protesters last week said they were disappointed that European Energy was referring health and legal questions to the company’s own teams. They said there should be reimbursement for seeking independent advice.
During consultations on the VNI renewable energy transmission line proposals, then project manager Australian Energy Market Operator offered landowners were offered capped reimbursement for independent legal advice.
The European Energy spokesperson said: “European Energy Australia works closely with landowners during the screening process to reach a fair agreement that suits all parties.
“During this process we offer services and advice including legal support.
“At this stage, the project is not proposing any formal neighbour agreements.”
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