Farmers and community leaders in the Dookie and Goulburn Valley region have called on the Victorian Government to pause the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone, warning it could see energy infrastructure built across some of the region’s most productive agricultural land.

Concerns are focused on the eastern section of the zone, which includes the Dookie district.

Locals say this area was added to the Victorian Transmission Plan after draft consultation had closed, leaving landholders and residents without an opportunity for input into planning.

The call for a pause is being led by the community‑backed campaign Protect Productive Landscapes – Dookie Hills and Goulburn Valley, supported by farmers, residents, Traditional Owner advocates and other regional stakeholders.

Campaign members say they support renewable energy and the transition to a low‑carbon economy, but believe development must be carefully planned to avoid long‑term impacts on agriculture, food security and regional communities.

Dookie farmer Nick Geddes said the region already played a critical role in food production and low‑emissions agriculture initiatives.

“This region is already contributing to climate solutions,” Mr Geddes said.

“Putting large‑scale energy infrastructure across high‑quality farmland risks undermining food security and farming livelihoods if it’s not done properly.”

The proposed zone overlaps land classified as high‑capability agriculture and intersects areas containing Aboriginal cultural heritage, wetlands, floodways and wildlife habitat across the Dookie plains.

Community members say key environmental, hydrological and visual‑impact studies have not yet been completed.

Survey results from Greater Shepparton City Council show strong community opposition, with 74 per cent of respondents opposing the current proposal and 84 per cent saying they had no opportunity to participate in consultation.

Council made a submission to VicGrid in November last year outlining community concerns.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the submission aimed to balance Victoria’s renewable energy targets with protection of the region’s agricultural land and community values.

“The transition to renewable energy must not come at the cost of our region’s most productive farmland or without proper consultation,” Cr Sali said.

The government says renewable energy zones will deliver more orderly planning and long‑term economic and social benefits for regional communities.

It maintains that only a small proportion of land within a zone will be required for development and that landholders can choose whether to host projects, with compensation negotiated directly with developers.

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe said careful planning was essential to ensure renewable energy supported regional livelihoods.

The campaign is calling on the government and VicGrid to pause the Renewable Energy Zone process, improve agricultural, environmental and cultural mapping, and undertake meaningful consultation with landholders, Traditional Owners and local councils.

A community petition has also been launched

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Sunday, 12th August 2029

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