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 allow energy infrastructure to be built across some of the region’s most productive agricultural land.

Concerns centre 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 closed, leaving landholders and residents without an opportunity to provide input.

The call is being led by the community-backed campaign Protect Productive Landscapes, 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 an important role in food production and climate initiatives.

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

“Placing large-scale energy infrastructure across high‑quality farmland risks undermining food security if it’s not done properly.”

The proposed zone overlaps high‑capability agricultural land as well as areas of Aboriginal cultural heritage, wetlands and floodways.

Community members say key environmental and planning studies have not yet been completed.

The government says the zones will deliver more orderly planning and long‑term economic and social benefits, noting landholders can choose whether to host projects.

However, survey results from Greater Shepparton City Council show strong opposition, with 74 per cent of respondents opposing the proposal and 84 per cent saying they were not consulted.

The campaign is calling for a pause to the process, improved mapping, meaningful consultation and has launched a community petition.

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Wednesday, 17th October 2029

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