Frequently asked questions.

A BESS is a large-scale facility that stores electrical energy in batteries so it can be discharged back to the grid when needed. It acts like a giant rechargeable battery for the entire power system.

Manangatang one Pty Ltd and Manangatang Energy, an Australian renewable energy developer.

The project uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, which has a significantly lower thermal-runaway risk than older NMC chemistries and is the industry standard for new grid-scale storage in Australia.

The facility will be designed in consultation with CFA to meet or exceed Victorian bushfire planning requirements, with defendable space, on-site water supply, and 24/7 monitoring.

Operational noise from cooling systems is the primary source. Acoustic modelling is being undertaken to demonstrate compliance with EPA Victoria noise limits at the nearest dwellings.

Battery containers are around 3 metres high — well below the height of existing transmission infrastructure. Landscape screening will be used where appropriate.

Construction will peak at estimated 150 workers. The project is committed to local employment where possible. Ongoing operations will support several permanent local roles.

Battery storage helps reduce wholesale electricity prices during peak demand periods. The combined effect of new storage across Victoria is forecast by AEMO to lower wholesale prices over time.

Local & state government approvals.

Subject to approvals, construction is expected to begin in late 2027 and take approximately 12 months to complete.

Our community engagement team is available on 0427 739 716 or info@manangatangenergy.com.au, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm AEST.

The project will operate within its water entitlement with GWM Water.
GWM Water has advised that a 50 mm water pipeline exists along the property boundary adjoining Daytrap Road and that a supply rate of approximately 20–30 kL per dayis available.
The project will fill the static water storage during low demand periodsi.e. winter months. The proposed 500 kL onsite storage system will be filled over approximately 40 daysensuring minimal impact on other network connections.
During construction, water may also be sourced from a standpipe proposed at the corner of Daytrap Road and the Mallee Highway.

Construction workers are expected to be accommodated within Manangatang and surrounding towns where suitable accommodation is available.
Preliminary construction scheduling indicates that up to 50% of workers could be sourced from the surrounding region.
Once the planning permit is approved an accommodation and workforce stragey will be developed once the detailed design is complete and a construction pathway is known, which will refine the accommodation demands.

Protecting local water users is a key priority.
The project will follow GWM Water's recommended filling schedule for on-site storage and will avoid drawing water during peak demand periods.
The fire water system will consist of:
• 500,000 litres of total storage subject to CFA review and consultation.
• Ring-main connections for reliability
• Individual isolation valves on each tank
This arrangement provides an onsite water reserve with buffering capacity with a reliable refill availability. It further provides a resource for other emergency events which may occur adjacent or beyond this development.

Based on the AusRAP roads rating upgrades will not be required to safely accommodate anticipated construction traffic volumes. This remains a consideration during the assessment of the planning application
Peak traffic volumes are estimated as follows:
• Up to 32 heavy vehicle movements per day during the construction phase.
• Up to 80 light vehicle movements per day during peak workforce periods
These traffic levels will be managed through a Construction Traffic Management Plan and a condition of the planning permit for approval by the relevant authority.
Post commissioning the daily operations will have up to 16 light vehicle movements with shutdown and maintenance adding up to 40 light vehicle movements a day and 12 heavy vehicle movements a day

The risk of a battery fire is extremely low due to multiple layers of protection, including thermal monitoring, early detection systems, fault and hazard isolation controls and thermal suppression systems.
In the unlikely event of a thermal event, gases such as hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide may be produced. The project is ina remote environment with extensive distances to the nearest sensitive receptors, and conditions allowingdispersion to minimise any risk.
To mitigate any risk the project will incorporate:
• Suitable safety buffers and firebreaks
• Thermal monitoring and early detection control systems
• Fault and hazard isolation controls
• Fire risk and emergency response plans developed for the site and approved by the dedicated CFA Project Manager

The project is being designed to minimise any impact in the event of bushfire. This will be achieved through implementing extensive firebreaks, sealed battery enclosures, dedicated fire suppression systems and maintained hardstand areas.
An independent bushfire risk assessment will form part of the planning permit process and will be reviewed and approved by the CFA and others.
Questions regarding legal liability and insurance depend on the circumstances of any incident and the terms of individual insurance policies. For a neighbouring property owner/farmer/business owner to be held responsible, they would need to be negligent and found liable in a court, meaning their actions fell short of what a reasonable person would have done in their position to prevent or contain the fire. A fire starting or spreading is not generally, on its own, enough to establish liability. Ordinary, lawful farming activity carried out with reasonable care is very unlikely to be found negligent.
Landowners should seek independent advice from their insurer regarding the extent of their cover.
The project's design, engineered mitigation measures and own fire protection systemsare intended to minimise the risk of fire impacting the proposed BESS facility.

The project's fire risk management plan and emergency response plan will be approved by the CFAin consultation with the project developers and will include:
• Compliant early detection and thermal monitoring systems
• Compliant isolation systems
• Thermal event suppression systems and controls
• On site water storage exceeding minimum requirements
• Emergency response plans and training as directed by the CFA
• A design incorporating access to and around site and its assets which provides 24/7 access for emergency vehicles.
The CFA is the referral authority overseeing the risk and emergency response requirements and they willdirect and approveall thermal event management, emergency response arrangements and training requirements. This has commenced and is ongoing throughout the planning and design process and will be a condition of any planning approvals before construction can commence.

Like many industrial and infrastructure facilities throughout Australia, the project will rely on a combination of onsite fire protection systems and emergency services.The facility will not operate without a CFA approved response to a thermal risk management plan, an emergency response plan and the appropriate assets available to manage and respond in the unlikely event of an event.

Yes, at the direction of the corporate CFA Project Manager, dedicated to assessing this project, specific fire/thermal risk management, emergency management plans and training requirements/gaps will be identified.
This process will determine:
• Training requirements
• Emergency response procedures
• Assetrequirements and upgrades
The project mustfollow the CFA's mandate on these requirements.

The project aims to strengthen the Manangatang community and surrounding communities. Thebenefits include:
• Approximately 130 construction jobs
• Approximately 8full time equivalent positions
• Nett positive economic impact to local businesses
• Increased economic activity across the region
In addition, the project is committed to exploring the establishment of a Community Benefit Fund and welcomes suggestions from the community regarding initiatives that would provide sustained, long-term benefit to the district.

The project is being developed by Mathew Hoare and his immediate family, who are also the owner of the land via the company Manangatang One Pty Ltd on which the project is proposed.
As the project progresses through planning and development phases, additional investment and financing partners may be established to support construction and long-term operation.
The balance of the land, beyond the facility footprint is to be maintained for agricultural purposes, representing approximately 98% of the landholding.

The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will connect directly to the electricity grid and help improve the reliability of electricity supply across the region, including Manangatang. While it cannot supply electricity directly to individual homes or businesses under the current electricity market structure, it will store renewable energy and provide power to the grid when it is needed most. This contributes to a more reliable, resilient and sustainable electricity network for the entire region.

The project requires approval under the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987.

The planning process includes assessment of the use of the land, proposed built form, bushfire risk, environmental impacts, traffic and infrastructure, cultural heritage, community consultation, and utility and service authority requirements.

The project is currently being assessed through Victoria's Accelerated Development Program, coordinated by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), with input from local government, CFA, EPA Victoria, utility providers and other relevant agencies. The process is comprehensive and transparent and is subject to Ministerial oversight and sign-off.

The project is proposed on approximately 5 hectares of existing cropping land and will use existing property access points. Based on the current design, no native vegetation removal is anticipated, no areas of ecological sensitivity have been identified, no impacts to nearby conservation reserves are expected, and the site is not in an area of cultural heritage sensitivity.

Consultation with Traditional Owners, including the Tati Tati people, is ongoing.