The newly unveiled Victorian Transmission Plan reveals Campaspe Shire and Greater Shepparton will soon share more than the Goulburn River — they will be part of a larger renewable energy initiative.

On Sunday, August 17, VicGrid unveiled the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, a comprehensive roadmap detailing the state’s ambitious 15-year journey towards eliminating coal-fuelled electricity.

The plan strategically identifies six renewable energy zones (REZs) across Victoria, selected for their optimal wind and solar conditions, complemented by battery storage facilities.

The north-central zone, which was previously one large zone between Shepparton and Bendigo and adjacent to Kyabram, Rochester and Rushworth, has now been split into two smaller zones called the eastern and western section.

The western section is wedged between Bendigo and Tatura and the eastern section between Shepparton and Glenrowan.

The zone was split into two sections in response to feedback about potential impacts on biodiversity, cultural values and irrigated agriculture, as well as interest in solar energy opportunities in the east of Shepparton.

VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said the plan would ensure an “orderly transition has been designed” to minimise impacts on local communities.

“VicGrid has worked hard to balance a range of factors as we make difficult decisions about where energy infrastructure is needed to deliver reliable and affordable power to Victorian homes, businesses and industry,” Mr Parker said.

A draft of the plan has been around since May this year, with consultation with community members in and around the central-north zone taking place between then and now.

Throughout the draft proposal period, the plan underwent scrutiny from a diverse range of stakeholders, including local governments, state representatives and community members from the north-central zone and surrounding areas.

State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell, who has previously stated her disappointment with the VicGrid plan, expressed shock that the creation of the eastern section was done largely without consultation with farmers in that area.

“It will create real uncertainty and anxiety in local communities, who are being ignored and made to suffer because of Labor’s ideological obsession with forcing renewable energy projects on to unwilling communities,” Ms Lovell said.

“Local communities outside renewable energy zones should not become complacent, but continue to monitor potential projects in their area because the Labor government can still approve renewable energy developments outside the zones.”

Campaspe Shire Council, which previously lodged a submission against the plan, welcomed the reduction for the central-north zone, believing it considers concerns raised about agricultural and environmental landscape values.

Mayor Daniel Mackrell said there were still concerns over the authority council had regarding the location and approval of renewable projects within the shire.

“Applications for renewable energy facilities in the future will still need to be considered on their individual merits, however in most circumstances the minister for planning will be the responsible authority, not the council,” Cr Mackrell said.

“As this assessment process does not allow review of any decision, there is still concern about the transparency and collaborative approach that will occur in the future.

“While we support renewable energy in principle, it must be appropriately located to safeguard our vital agricultural sector.

“We continue to advocate for transparent, case-by-case assessments that respect local land use and community interests.”

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Sunday, 2nd April 2023

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