Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett must approve the Stockyard Hill Wind Farm, under national laws, before it can go ahead.

The project has gone to the Federal Government because it has been found likely to have significant environmental impact.

It now must be assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Origin is developing the 242-turbine wind farm and associated on-site infrastructure, and is also constructing an external 132-kilovolt overhead powerline.

The government says the proposal is likely to affect some nationally threatened species, ecological communities and migratory species.

These include the natural temperate grassland of the Victorian volcanic plain, the Golden Sun Moth, the striped legless lizard and the migratory sharp-tailed sandpiper.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts said the decision would ultimately be made by Mr Garrett, or someone on his behalf.

She said he may visit the site before giving an approval, but the information given to him would be based on assessment material and advice by the department.

"The assessment and approval process set out under national environment law is thorough and transparent," he said.

"There will be further opportunity for public comment during this process."

Origin communications manager for South Australia, Elizabeth Weaver, said Origin was committed to whatever extra studies the government needed.

"The Stockyard Hill Wind Farm is a significant project. It is worth investing the time and effort to ensure that the development proceeds on a sound environmental basis," she said.

Origin believes that achieving development approval for the project, a state-based assessment process, will be completed within 12 months.