Spark Renewables

Mallee Wind Farm project Response to Submissions lodged in April 2026

Mallee Wind Farm newsletter – April 2026

Download the PDF newsletter here: Mallee Wind Farm – Community Newsletter #8 – April 2026

~400 MW wind farm with up to 76 wind turbines
Standalone battery 100 MW / 200 MWh

Overview

The Mallee Wind Farm is a proposed renewable energy project located in the Wentworth Shire Local Government Area, approximately 16 km north-east of Buronga.

Developed by Spark Renewables, the project would have a generation capacity of 400 MW, co-located with a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The site is located on flat, cleared land with a strong wind resource and is well positioned to generate, store, and dispatch electricity to the National Electricity Market.

  • Equivalent to supplying electricity to over 200,000 households
  • Up to 225 jobs during peak construction and around 30 ongoing jobs during operations
  • $420,000 annually in direct payments to community and council funds (based on 400 MW capacity)
Mallee Wind Farm proposed project investigation area
Mallee Wind Farm proposed project boundary and investigation area

Planning Update

The Mallee Wind Farm is a State Significant Development under NSW planning legislation and requires a rigorous planning and assessment process that ensures environmental, social, and economic impacts are properly considered. Following the lodgement of a formal ‘Response to Submissions’ and an ‘Amendment Report’ for Mallee Wind Farm in April 2026, the project is now under assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). We will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Development application status of the proposed Mallee Wind Farm project as at April 2026

Find the project Response to Submissions and Amendment Report on the NSW Planning Portal for Major Projects by visiting this page.

Community consultation

Consultation for the Mallee Wind Farm project commenced in August 2022 with the announcement of the project and our first information sessions. We engaged closely with key stakeholders to better understand matters important to the local community.

The project’s Environmental Impact Statement was on public exhibition between 13 November and 10 December 2024, receiving 140 submissions. There were 30 submissions from stakeholders within 100 kilometres from the project. Further information was requested about the project impacts and management plans, with no objections raised by the local council or government agencies.

Interest in Project Impacts

There were 61 public submissions that identified specific environmental, social and economic impacts of the project. Most of these related to various social impacts (44%); followed by questions about management of traffic, waste and water use (24%); protection of biodiversity (23%); and planning for aviation and bushfire safety (9%).

There were 61 submissions that identified 14 separate issues, on 141 occasions
Source: Mallee Wind Farm Response to Submissions
(April 2026)

Upcoming Events

Spark Renewables is committed to open and ongoing engagement with the community throughout the development of the Mallee Wind Farm. We value the opportunity to meet with local residents and community groups to share project information, answer questions, and hear community feedback to understand the ongoing concerns and learn about benefit sharing opportunities. Our project team will continue to attend local community events where we host an information stall and provide updates on the project.

Community Benefit Sharing

Consistent with the NSW Benefit Sharing Guideline, the project would contribute $1,050 per MW each year during construction and operations. Spark Renewables is currently engaging with the Wentworth Shire Council, community and First Nations organisations to co-design a benefit-sharing program to create lasting social value for the community.

Mallee Wind Farm newsletter – April 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Solar Farm Approved

Spark Renewables welcomes the approval of the Dinawan Solar Farm development application by the NSW Independent Planning Commission, marking a significant step toward delivery of the Dinawan Energy Hub in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The approved project includes an 800 megawatt (MW) solar farm and a 1,574 megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS), designed to deliver reliable, firmed renewable energy to the grid.

“This approval is a major milestone for the Dinawan Energy Hub, which will be a hybrid wind, solar and battery storage power hub to support a cleaner, more secure energy system in New South Wales,” said Anthony Marriner, CEO of Spark Renewables.

Supporting energy security and regional development

The Dinawan Solar Farm will contribute to improving grid stability and energy security, while reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based generation.

The Project will also deliver significant economic benefits to the Murrumbidgee region, including the creation of approximately 400 jobs during construction and 10 ongoing operational roles.

Part of the South West Renewable Energy Zone

In April 2025, Spark Renewables was awarded access rights for 1,007 MW in the South West REZ. These access rights authorise projects to apply to connect to the transmission network infrastructure. The Dinawan Energy Hub forms part of the South West REZ, including an allocation of 300 MW of solar generation and 1,200 MW of battery energy storage.

Strong community engagement and investment

Spark Renewables has undertaken extensive consultation and technical studies over more than four years to address community and environmental impacts.

The Dinawan Energy Hub includes benefit sharing and social commitments worth over $90 million, including funding for local and Aboriginal communities, neighbours, and council-led critical projects.

Spark Renewables has developed a program to create upskilling, employment and procurement opportunities, and to co-fund research and innovation programs.

Responsible development

The Dinawan Solar Farm has been approved with comprehensive conditions covering traffic, noise, fire safety, and environmental management. Spark Renewables will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure these requirements are met and impacts are minimised.

Next steps

With solar approval now secured, Spark Renewables expects the determination of the Dinawan Wind Farm to follow in the coming month. Together, these projects will enable the full delivery of the Dinawan Energy Hub in the South West REZ.

The Dinawan Solar Farm will now progress through detailed design, grid studies, procurement and compliance with conditions of consent, with financial close anticipated following this next phase.

Prior to construction of the solar farm, development of the Dinawan Energy Hub will include the establishment of the on-site accommodation village and the first stage of the wind farm by late 2027.

Dinawan Solar Farm Approved Read More »

Spark Renewables welcomes NSW Government support for Dinawan Energy Hub through Investment Delivery Authority

Spark Renewables has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement that the Dinawan Wind Farm and Dinawan Solar Farm, part of the Dinawan Energy Hub, will receive dedicated support through the state’s new Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) to help move the projects from proposal to delivery. 

The NSW Government confirmed that the Dinawan Wind Farm and Dinawan Solar Farm, located in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), are among 14 major energy projects endorsed through the inaugural round of the IDA process, aimed at accelerating critical energy investment across New South Wales. 

The endorsed projects include a strong pipeline of solar and wind generation and battery storage developments that will help strengthen NSW’s energy security and support the transition to a modern electricity system. 

The IDA was established by the NSW Government to support the delivery of major projects by providing tailored support for complex developments. A dedicated planning assessments team within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, along with a multi-agency Investment Taskforce in the Premier’s Department, has been formed to help projects progress through planning and delivery more efficiently.

This endorsement does not grant an approval. The Dinawan Solar Farm and Dinawan Wind Farm development applications are under a separate planning assessment and will comply with relevant state and Commonwealth legislation and policies.

This endorsement highlights the critical role that renewable energy projects will play in meeting NSW’s future electricity needs. 

As NSW undergoes a once-in-a-generation transformation of its electricity system, Spark Renewables welcomes the Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with project proponents to remove barriers to investment in the energy transition. 

With growing investment in renewable generation and energy storage, collaborative frameworks like the IDA will play an important role in enabling projects that support regional economies, create jobs and deliver clean energy for the future. 

Spark Renewables remains committed to working with the NSW Government, local communities and industry partners to help deliver the next generation of renewable energy infrastructure across the state. 

Spark Renewables welcomes NSW Government support for Dinawan Energy Hub through Investment Delivery Authority Read More »

Wattle Creek Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #5 March 2026

Download the PDF newsletter here: Wattle Creek Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #5 – March 2026

The Wattle Creek Energy Hub is a solar and battery energy hybrid project located in the Upper Lachlan Shire, approximately 12 km north-east of Marulan, NSW, on the ‘Arthursleigh’ property owned by the University of Sydney.

Recent updates

  • The development applications for both stages are now in the response to submissions phase.
  • An Amendment Report prepared for the BESS includes: updates to the proposed transmission line; the addition of passing bays along Canyonleigh Road; a new northern access route; and a reduction in the overall project footprint.

Collaboration with the University of Sydney

The Wattle Creek Energy Hub, a renewable energy project hosted by the University of Sydney, the 18th ranked university in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025), opens the door for world-leading research and best practice opportunities. Spark Renewables was selected by the University of Sydney to investigate and develop a hybrid renewable energy facility on its ‘Arthursleigh’ property, which is located ~120 km from the Sydney West Substation and is adjacent to the Marulan Substation.

As part of the partnership with the University, Spark Renewables has also agreed to an ongoing research agreement collaborating on initiatives related to clean energy across science, engineering, business and economics, including a work experience and placement program for undergraduate and PhD students. The agreement proposes a two-acre ‘test-bed facility’, which will enable the researchers to test emerging energy technologies, including innovative battery systems developed by Gelion, a company spun out from the University of Sydney in 2015.

The project is designed to coexist with ongoing agricultural activities and ensure that commercial research and teaching activities can continue on the ‘Arthursleigh’ farm.

Spark Renewables’ Internship Program supporting the future of clean energy

This collaboration has become a valuable pathway for accessing exceptional talent from the University of Sydney. Since 2023, Spark Renewables has hosted seven undergraduate interns, and has been fortunate to hire several of them in full-time roles.

Under the internship program, students bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world experience through a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, from on-site engineering to real-life community engagement. They are supported in an innovation-driven, AI-enabled environment and provided with the same professional licences and resources as full-time employees.

Planning update

Under planning legislation, the Wattle Creek BESS and the Wattle Creek Solar Farm are classified as State Significant Developments and therefore require assessment by Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure through the submission of a Development Application (DA).

We have recently submitted a Response to Submissions for the BESS along with an Amendment Report, where Spark Renewables responds to the feedback received during the exhibition period and consultation with council representatives, project neighbours, government agencies, and critical stakeholders. As a result of this, changes to the project include:

  • The proposed transmission line route into Marulan substation has been revised in response to Transgrid’s comments.
  • Passing bays have been added along Canyonleigh Road to improve traffic safety during construction.
  • A new northern access route has been included for use only by light vehicles during emergencies.
  • Minor amendments to the BESS layout have reduced the original project footprint, remaining within the area as proposed in the project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
  • An updated Voluntary Planning Agreement is being proposed to the councils as part of the benefit-sharing program.
Current status of development applications: response to submissions

If you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting, please contact us at info@wattlecreekenergyhub.com or 1300 271 419.

Wattle Creek Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #5 March 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Solar Farm Consultation Update – IPC Community Meeting Format

Spark Renewables has been advised that, due to lower-than-expected in-person speaker registrations for the previously advertised public meeting for Dinawan Solar Farm, the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) has adjusted the format of the consultation. The IPC has confirmed that one-on-one sessions will replace the public meeting to ensure community members who registered to speak continue to have an appropriate forum to do so. All meeting transcripts will be made publicly available on the IPC’s project webpage.

Decisions regarding meeting formats are made independently by the IPC and Spark Renewables had no input into the IPC’s decision on the Dinawan Solar Farm meeting. Community members seeking further information are encouraged to refer directly to the IPC’s official communications via this link.

The opportunity to provide written submissions directly to the IPC for consideration as part of its determination of the Project remains open to all community members and has been extended until 8 March 2026 at 11.59pm. Submissions can be made via the IPC’s project webpage.

Spark Renewables remains committed to open and transparent engagement with all community members and welcomes ongoing dialogue throughout the assessment process. Spark Renewables has provided an overview of the issues raised through the IPC-led consultation process, along with key concerns raised directly with our project team by community groups. The public briefing presentation slides and accompanying transcript that were prepared for the IPC meeting can be accessed here.

Dinawan Solar Farm Consultation Update – IPC Community Meeting Format Read More »

Dinawan Energy Hub Community Newsletter – January 2026

Download the PDF newsletter here:  Dinawan Energy Hub – Community Newsletter #7 – January 2026 

Project components as allocated by EnergyCo under access rights include: 

707 MW wind farm (Stages 1 & 2) with 105 wind turbines (up to 250-metre tip height), west of Kidman Way 
Solar component of DEH: 300 MW solar farm, with 750,000 solar modules installed east and west of Kidman Way 
300 MW solar farm, with 750,000 solar modules installed east and west of Kidman Way 
BESS component of DEH: 300 MW BESS, providing up to 1,200 MWh of storage 
300 MW BESS, providing up to 1,200 MWh of storage 

Recent updates

  • In April 2025, Spark Renewables was awarded access rights for 1,007 MW in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which authorises projects to apply to connect to the transmission network infrastructure.
  • In October 2025, the Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1) bid was successful in Tender 4 of the Australian Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS).
  • In December 2025, the NSW DPHI recommended conditions of consent for approving the Dinawan Solar Farm Development Application. Speaker registrations for the public meeting in Coleambally close at 12pm. Register to speak through this page.

Community benefit sharing & social commitments

Spark Renewables is committed to creating upskilling, employment and procurement opportunities and co-funding research and innovation programs.

Access fee contributions will be administered by the NSW Energy Corporation (EnergyCo)

Since development of the DEH began, Spark Renewables has contributed $126,700 to local funding and sponsorships, and $35 million of additional South West REZ access fee contributions are expected to be paid over the first 15 years of the project’s lifespan.

Voluntary Planning Agreement

Spark Renewables will enter into a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) with Murrumbidgee Council. For the projects being built under the allocation of access rights – 707 MW for the wind farm and 300 MW for the solar farm – this represents an average of a $1 million payment each year to be shared across:

  • Council’s Critical Capital Projects (70%)
  • Community Benefit Fund (15%)
  • Aboriginal Community Fund (7.5%)
  • Neighbour Benefit Fund (7.5%), which includes the Dinawan Wind Farm Electricity Rebate Scheme (ERS)

Spark Renewables has launched the ERS as part of the Dinawan Neighbour Benefit Program for eligible households near the Dinawan Wind Farm. Households within 10 km of the wind turbines can receive annual electricity rebates between $2,500 and $10,000 for the wind farm’s 35-year lifespan, based on distance from the nearest wind turbine. Spark Renewables is currently engaging with the local landholders to propose an extended ERS for the Dinawan Solar Farm. Read more here.

Submissions for Dinawan Solar Farm Development Application review by the IPC close on 5 March 2026

Under NSW planning legislation, the Dinawan Wind Farm and Solar Farm are both State Significant Developments and therefore require an assessment by the NSW Government. In response to the Development Application (DA) for Dinawan Solar Farm, the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) has recommended conditions of consent to manage potential impacts on the local area. We expect recommended conditions for the Dinawan Wind Farm to follow in the first quarter of 2026.

You can read the referral letter, assessment report, and recommended conditions of consent on the NSW Independent Planning Commission’s (IPC) website by visiting this page. In line with the IPC’s consultation timeline for Dinawan Solar Farm, written public submissions and registration to speak at the project’s public meeting are open until 17 February 2026 (closing at noon).

  • 27 February 2026: A public meeting will be held at Coleambally Community Hall at 10am. You can pre-register to speak at the event here.
  • 5 March 2026: Submissions for the Dinawan Solar Farm project can be made until 11.59pm.

Expressions of interest open for the Accommodation Village until 16 February 2026

We are seeking partners to design, supply, install and operate an accommodation village to support the construction workforce. We are looking for innovative approaches that will create an outstanding place to live while contributing to the delivery of the DEH. Find out more here.

To see all work packages available for Dinawan Wind Farm (Stage 1), visit the ICN Gateway here.

Dinawan Energy Hub Community Newsletter – January 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Solar Farm: Project Planning Update

This decision follows several years of studies and consultation with interested and impacted stakeholders, including local councils, landholders, residents, Aboriginal community representatives, and transport, environmental and safety government agencies. 

Spark Renewables applied for a permit to deliver a large-scale solar farm (800 MW); and a battery energy storage system (356 MW). 

The Department has assessed the Dinawan Solar Farm proposal, including potential impacts on the environment, traffic, farming activities, heritage, and the character and liveability of the local area. Following this assessment, a detailed set of conditions has been recommended to help manage these impacts and protect the interests of the local community. 

The recommended conditions of consent require Spark Renewables to: 

  • Manage and minimise noise, dust, and traffic disturbance throughout construction;
  • Protect ecologically sensitive areas;
  • Safeguard Aboriginal heritage sites;
  • Maintain agricultural land capability where possible, including consideration for sheep grazing;
  • Prepare detailed management plans prior to construction commencing;
  • Adhere to approved site access points and transport routes for all workers; and
  • Contribute annual funding for community benefits.

Spark Renewables has committed to avoid all hollow bearing trees that were identified during the ecological studies. 

Dinawan Solar Farm was awarded access rights for 300 MW in the NSW Roadmap Tender Round 5, enabling the project to contribute around ~$250,000 annually to local community projects through a Voluntary Planning Agreement with Murrumbidgee Council. 

The Independent Planning Commission will consider the recommended conditions to make the final determination of the development application.  

Spark Renewables thanks the community for its ongoing engagement and will continue to share updates as the planning process moves forward. 

Read the referral letter, assessment report, and recommended conditions of consent on the Independent Planning Commission’s website at: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/dinawan-solar-farm.

Dinawan Solar Farm: Project Planning Update Read More »

Mallee Wind Farm Newsletter – January 2026

Download the PDF newsletter here: Mallee Wind Farm – Community Newsletter #7 – January 2026

Overview

Developed by Spark Renewables, the project would have a generation capacity of 400 MW, co-located with a 100 MW battery energy storage system (BESS). The site is located on flat, cleared land with a strong wind resource and is well positioned to generate, store, and dispatch electricity to the National Electricity Market.

  • 400 MW wind farm with up to 76 turbines (up to 280-metre tip height)
  • 100 MW BESS, with capacity to supply 200 MWh
  • Equivalent to supplying electricity to over 200,000 households
  • Up to 225 jobs during peak construction and around 30 ongoing roles
  • $420,000 annually in direct payments to community and council funds

Environmental Assessments

The Mallee Wind Farm is planned to be built on open, cropped land to minimise potential impacts on biodiversity. Detailed biodiversity surveys and on-ground monitoring activities have continued across the project area to identify threatened species and inform responsible project planning in line with regulatory requirements.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Throughout 2025, Spark Renewables engaged with the Wentworth Shire Council, landholders, and neighbouring residents through meetings and public events, including the Mildura Field Day and the Wentworth Show. These engagements helped shape benefit-sharing initiatives aligned with local priorities.

Spark Renewables also participated in the Cultivating Change: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Roundtable hosted by La Trobe University’s Mildura Campus, exploring opportunities to support sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Community Benefit Sharing

In line with theNSW Benefit Sharing Guideline, Spark Renewables is committed to providing $1,050 per MW annually over the project’s 35-year lifespan. For a 400 MW wind farm, this would result in $420,000 per year, shared across four proposed funds:

  • Council Projects Fund (75%)
  • Community Benefit Fund (10%)
  • Independent Aboriginal Community Fund (10%)
  • Independent Scholarship and Youth Fund (5%)

Planning Update

The Mallee Wind Farm is a State Significant Development under NSW planning legislation. Public exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement was completed in November 2024.

Spark Renewables is currently preparing a Submissions Report, responding to key matters raised during exhibition, with further information on road upgrades, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. The Response to Submissions is expected in early 2026.

Find the project Environmental Impact Statement on the NSW Planning Portal for Major Projects by visiting this page.

Mallee Wind Farm Newsletter – January 2026 Read More »

Dinawan Energy Hub Accommodation Village expressions of interest

The Dinawan Energy Hub is situated between Coleambally and Jerilderie in the Murrumbidgee Local Government Area, south-west NSW, adjacent to the Dinawan Substation.

The market briefing is available to view here and the market briefing pack can be downloaded here. (Note: the EOI due date has been extended to 16 February 2026 instead of 31 January 2026.)

As part of this package, we are seeking partners to design, supply, install and operate an accommodation village of approximately 400 beds to support the construction workforce. This includes single ensuite rooms, quality dining, and a range of recreational and wellbeing features such as gyms, wellness spaces and social hubs.  

We are looking for innovative approaches that will create an outstanding place to live while contributing to the delivery of the Dinawan Energy Hub. 

The work package will be procured in two parts: 

  • Village civil works 
  • Village supply, installation and operations 

We are committed on delivering strong social value outcomes for the local community. This includes meaningful opportunities for First Nations businesses and pathways to grow a First Nations workforce across the project. 

Suppliers interested in this work package are invited to register now.

The EOI response period will run until 16 February 2026. Register by emailing Anthony.Fuller@sparkrenewables.com.  

Dinawan Energy Hub Accommodation Village expressions of interest Read More »

Governance and Administration Officer

Apply for a Governance and Administration Officer

  • Join a leading renewable energy company driving Australia’s transition.
  • Enjoy hybrid flexibility at our Manly or Brisbane office.
  • Be part of a collaborative, values-driven team with great culture and benefits.

The role

Reporting to the Project Governance Manager, you will help ensure governance processes are followed across the project lifecycle, including reporting, approvals, risk management, and compliance. You will collaborate with teams across development, engineering, legal, and finance to maintain standards and support project performance. 

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in managing governance processes across the project lifecycle
  • Prepare reports and dashboards for projects and boards
  • Monitor risks, issues, schedules, and budgets
  • Track compliance obligations
  • Administer project systems and manage document control
  • Build effective relationships with internal teams and stakeholders
  • Coordinate project approvals
  • Maintain governance frameworks and policies
  • Provide project management office administrative support (meetings, logistics, minutes)

What we are looking for

  • Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or similar)
  • Minimum two years’ experience in project delivery or governance
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and remain calm under pressure
  • Strong team player – adaptable, collaborative, and proactive
  • Good understanding of project budgets and reporting
  • Basic knowledge of compliance and safety standards
  • Strong communication and relationship‑building skills

Why you’ll love working with us

We believe our culture is second to none, and our exceptional retention rate is testament to that. We are a team of passionate professionals from diverse backgrounds, united by our focus on sustainability and our purpose to build Australia’s renewable energy future.

Our team is supportive, and we have an open-minded, forward-thinking, and inclusive culture. We offer flexible work arrangements, a hybrid work environment, and a fantastic office location in Manly with ocean views. We place a strong emphasis on professional development, wellbeing, and opportunities to work on impactful, future-focused projects. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

We are committed to building a team that represents a wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, genders, skills, and abilities. We are also dedicated to fostering meaningful change within our organisation and community, including First Nations communities, through our Reconciliation Action Plan

How to apply

If this role sounds like you, please apply by providing a covering letter specifically addressing the selection criteria together with your CV. Please direct any questions you may have to people@sparkrenewables.com

Governance and Administration Officer Read More »