Baldon Wind Farm approved for 175 turbines near Hay
The NSW project faces road and rehabilitation conditions, while its initial grid connection will limit how much of its planned capacity it can use.
Goldwind Capital has received approval for its 1,400-megawatt Baldon Wind Farm near Hay in southern NSW, with the Independent Planning Commission imposing conditions following substantial community opposition.
The development would have 175 turbines reaching up to 300 metres in height. Its site is approximately 64 kilometres south-west of Hay, within the South West Renewable Energy Zone.
Access to transmission infrastructure remains a constraint. Baldon was not awarded rights to use the zone's powerlines when EnergyCo allocated access in December 2025, meaning it will initially be able to use only a fraction of its planned generating capacity.
The company's website says the first stage will involve building 45 turbines and connecting through the separate 220kV X5 Balranald to Darlington Point transmission line. It says the project may seek access rights later.
During the original consultation, opponents lodged 72 of the 80 submissions received, prompting referral to the commission. Hay Shire Council backed the development. The panel examined concerns about traffic, possible contamination, cumulative impacts and the site's eventual rehabilitation.
Approval requires a plan for managing traffic, upgrades and maintenance for local roads, and repairs to damage caused by the development. A plan covering decommissioning and rehabilitation must also be prepared and implemented.
Baldon has secured federal funding through the Capacity Investment Scheme.
