Nearly four years ago, a small group of Woodend residents hatched a plan to power the historic town entirely on renewable energy.

Three wind turbines would be built in a pine forest six kilometres south of the town to generate enough energy to run not only Woodend, but also nearby Macedon, Mount Macedon and Newham.

WISE campaigners Barry Mann (left) and Peter Hansford at the site of the proposed wind turbines. Credit:Angela Wylie

Wind speeds were modelled to determine the best location, community forums held, more than 500 signatures collected in support, and initial steps taken to start raising the $14 million needed. A smaller number of people expressed objections.

As of last month, the project is on hold, possibly dead, after the Baillieu government introduced Australia's most restrictive wind farm regulations.