Yet the final planning scheme was approved with a provision for 215 turbines in a layout that WestWind said was still being finalised.

Lawyer Dominica Tannock,who represented Mr Cumming during his legal cases,lodged an official request with Mr Wynne at the start of the year asking him to refer WestWind’s updated proposal to a planning panel because,she said,it had been reconfigured from the initial plan.

Mr Wynne declined to do so. Ms Tannock said she was considering challenging this.

“This is a massive piece of infrastructure being built in Victoria and the public hasn’t seen the final plans,” she said.

“What we do know is there will be 215 turbines squeezed into a space where the minister previously told them to accommodate 181.”

In a statement,the Planning Minister said it was not necessary to send the updated proposal to a planning panel because it did not increase the total number of turbines or their height compared with the original permit granted in 2018.

“Like all applications to amend a planning permit,the application to amend the Golden Plains Wind Farm was considered on its merits and in line with relevant planning policy and legislation,” he said.

The Andrews government has set a target of halving emissions from 2005 levels by the end of 2030,resulting in significant investment in renewable energy.

Last week the Premier pledged $40 million towardsproposals for three offshore wind farms near the Gippsland coast. The largest project,Star of the South,would power about 1.8 million homes if it comes to fruition.

Golden Plains Shire welcomed the decision on the wind farm at Rokewood,which mayor Gavin Gamble said would create 768 jobs in a town with a population of 300.

“Council is a keen supporter of renewable energy and the Golden Plains Wind Farm will generate sustainable green electricity for more than 765,000 homes and save up to 4.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually,” he said. “The proponents of the wind farm have engaged with the Rokewood community throughout the development of this project,including the protection of farmland and sustainable farming,as well as improvements to local roads.”

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