AGL Energy’s 420MW McArthur Wind Farm, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere, has cleared its latest challenge after it has successfully operated within the strict noise limits set by the Victorian Government’s State Planning Permit.

The permit required that noise monitoring was to be carried out at specific dwellings neighbouring the Wind Farm.

This Noise Compliance Assessment is part of a wider noise monitoring program implemented by AGL since the first turbines started operating in late September 2012.  All noise monitoring results received to date at 13 neighbouring dwellings demonstrate that the Macarthur Wind Farm complies with the acoustic requirements of the Planning Permit.

Scott Thomas, AGL’s Group General Manager Power Development said “AGL is pleased that the independent AECOM Assessment demonstrates that the Macarthur Wind Farm continues to operate well within the Planning Permit requirements.”

“We appreciate some community members have been concerned about wind farm noise levels so we wanted to make sure it was operating correctly from the start and give the community a greater level of comfort. Over 40,000 hours of noise monitoring has been conducted at Macarthur, which is well beyond the amount of noise monitoring required in the Planning Permit.”  

“All results received to date confirm that Macarthur Wind Farm remains compliant within the Government’s strict noise regulations that are in line with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines for noise limits,” Mr Thomas said.