Winton Renewable Energy Stability and Storage Terminal

Celero Infrastructure is proposing to develop the Winton Renewable Energy Stability and Storage Terminal (WRESST) located adjacent to the existing Glenrowan Terminal Station in Winton, Victoria. The Project is currently on public exhibition, and we are seeking feedback from neighbours and the wider community.

Overview & Upcoming Events

WRESST (otherwise known as a Battery Energy Storage System or BESS) is proposed near the existing Winton and Glenrowan West Solar Farms.

Strategically located adjacent to the Glenrowan Terminal Station, the Project will strengthen grid reliability in the region while minimising the need for additional transmission infrastructure.

The site comprises cleared land and proximity to the Hume Freeway, minimising environmental and construction impacts.

WRESST is proposed to have a capacity of up to 400 MW / 1600 MWh, providing approximately 4 hours of energy storage.

The project is currently on public exhibition until 1st October. We would like to hear your feedback at our second community drop in session:

Date: 5th September 2026
Time: 2pm to 5pm
Location: Glenrowan Recreation Reserve (5 Daniel Lane, Glenrowan)

Light refreshments will be provided. No RSVP required.

At Celero, we deliver projects through genuine partnerships with landholders, investors, and government.

Key Facts

Location

Winton, Victoria

Storage capacity

400 MW / 1,600 MWh

Storage duration

4 hours

Status

Development

Connection

Underground to the Glenrowan Terminal Station

Consultation

Community engagement

We are engaging because we believe communities need to be informed and involved throughout the development process.

We were in Winton in April and June 2026 to engage with the community and better understand key questions and issues, helping to inform the project design and Planning Application. Our engagement to date has included:

Project briefing meeting with Benalla Council Planning Department – 16 February 2026
Letter of introduction and door knocking with neighbours – 9 & 15 April 2026
First community drop-in session – 27 April 2026
Project briefing with the local CFA brigade – 3 June 2026
Project update with Benalla Council Planning Department and Acting CEO – 16 June 2026
Project briefing at CFA HQ – 30 June 2026

Robust technical assessments have now been finalised to inform the comprehensive Planning Permit Application. We are pleased to advise that this application is now on public exhibition through the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) portal.

Community members can view the application and make a submission directly via the DTP Ministerial Permits Register: www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register

We will continue to provide opportunities for the community to meet the project team, ask questions, provide feedback, or discuss any concerns.

Cogency Australia has been engaged to lead planning and engagement for the Project and can be contacted on:

Phone: 0452 593 428
Email: consultation@cogencyaustralia.com.au

Social impact assessment

As part of the project, we are undertaking a voluntary social impact assessment (SIA) to understand how the project may affect the local community.

This includes looking at potential impacts on lifestyle, local services, the economy and community wellbeing, as well as identifying opportunities to deliver positive outcomes.

We encourage you to complete the short survey and share your views.

Project timeline

Planning and development

We have secured a suitable site and are currently carrying out engagement with landholders, neighbours and key stakeholders.
Technical and environmental studies have been completed, alongside community consultation, to inform the project design.
A Planning Permit Application has been lodged with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.
The grid connection process is being progressed, and a Connection Enquiry has been lodged with VicGrid.

Project Documents now accessible through the Department of Transport & Planning Register (Ministerial Permit: PA2604454)

The project is currently on public exhbition until 1st October 2027.

Pre-construction and financial close

Following a Planning Permit being issued, we will work with our preferred contractors and delivery partners to finalise the Project design and delivery arrangements.
Project financing will then be secured, enabling the project to move forward to delivery.

Construction

Construction will begin with site establishment and civil works, followed by installation of the WRESST and supporting infrastructure.
We will continue to engage with the local community throughout this phase.

Operations

Once operational, the WRESST will support the electricity grid by storing and dispatching energy when it is needed.
The facility will be monitored and maintained to ensure safe and reliable performance.

Decommissioning

At the end of its operational life, the facility will be decommissioned in line with regulatory requirements.
Equipment will be removed, materials recycled where possible, and the site rehabilitated.

Safety

We will engage the CFA early in the design process, and will continue to work with representatives throughout the project lifecycle.

We understand that community members may have questions about the safety of battery storage technology, including fire risk. We take these concerns seriously and want to address them directly.

WRESST will be designed in accordance with the CFA Design Guidelines and Model Requirements for Renewable Energy Facilities, including required fire breaks, water tanks, access routes for emergency vehicles, and setbacks.

Local Benefit

We are committed to delivering real, lasting benefits for the Winton and Glenrowan communities across the life of the Project – stimulating economic activity, supporting local businesses, and generating employment opportunities.

WRESST is expected to create approximately 100 – 150 jobs during construction and 4 – 6 ongoing operational roles, with local and regional businesses prioritised in our procurement process where possible.

We recognise that community benefit programs already exist in this area through neighbouring projects. Ours will be designed to complement, not duplicate, these existing initiatives.

Next Steps: Co-designing our Community Benefit Program

In the lead up to construction, we will co-design our community benefit program with the Winton and Glenrowan communities. This will involve:

Listening: ongoing conversations with residents, local groups and Council to understand local priorities
Aligning: reviewing existing programs from neighbouring projects to ensure ours adds value without duplication
Finalising: bringing this input together into a program ready to launch ahead of construction

We are actively seeking community feedback and ideas on how best to share the Project’s benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of infrastructure is the WRESST?

The WRESST will be a battery energy storage system (BESS) and will store energy when there is excess energy supply in the grid, discharging during times of high demand.

Who is developing the Winton RESST?

Celero Infrastructure.

What is the status of the project?

Planning and development.

Have you engaged with the Glenrowan community about the Winton RESST?

We have undertaken door knocking to inform nearby neighbours, held a community drop-in session in April 2026 and held follow up meetings as required. We will host our second drop-in session on the 5th September 2026.

When can we have input, and will it actually influence design outcomes?

Any submissions made will be considered by the Department of Transport and Planning when they assess the Planning Permit Application. You are able to make a formal submission now, while the Application is on public exhibition, however, we invite feedback on the design and layout of the WRESST at any stage. Please feel free to reach out via the contact form below, or in-person at our Community Drop-In Session.

Have decisions already been made?

A Planning Permit Application has been lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) and is under review. As such, no decision on the outcome of the permit has been made.

We’re here to shape this project together

As the project progresses, your feedback and local knowledge will help inform how the WRESST can deliver long-term benefits for the region and its communities.

We’re here to answer your questions and hear your thoughts.

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