State planning minister Richard Wynne this week announced approvals for amended plans for the project that has been in the wings at least since 2013.

But a construction date for the wind farm, five kilometres south of Mortlake, has yet to be announced. 

The wind farm, along the Framlingham-Mortlake and Terang-Mortlake roads, is expected to create 100 construction jobs and up to 10 permanent jobs.

It is to be built by Acciona Australia, part of the Spanish-based Acciona international company that constructs infrastructure and renewable energy projects. 

A permit for the wind farm already existed, but the approved amendment means the proposed farm will have fewer turbines.

As part of the amended permit, there will be 42 turbines at a height of 186 metres, instead of 51 turbines at a height of 141 metres.

The state government said significant advances in turbine technology had meant a smaller number of larger turbines could prove more effective than a greater number of smaller turbines.

It said a visual impact assessment found virtually no noticeable difference between the shorter and taller turbines.

Mr Wynne said the amendment meant the wind farm would still be able to power up to 40,000 households each year, but with fewer turbines.

“This approval is another step towards creating a sustainable renewable energy industry that boosts the economy and reduces our environmental impact,” he said.

Other amendments required the operator to comply with the most up-to-date version of noise standard and landowner agreements, the government said.

Acciona’s original planning application sparked concern from nearby residents who were alarmed about the noise the turbines could generate but none could be contacted about the latest development.

The state government said the approval of the amended planning permit was another step towards its target of 25 per cent renewable energy production by 2020 and 40 per cent by 2025. It also aims to create more than 4000 jobs in renewable energy.