The Allan Labor Government’s latest changes to Victoria’s Renewable Energy Zones are proof that regional communities were right to raise concerns from the outset.
In less than two years, Labor has released, revised and redrawn multiple versions of its Renewable Energy Zone map, which details the areas where it plans to concentrate the state’s wind, solar and battery projects.
What began as broad study areas evolved into seven proposed zones, then six proposed zones, and has now been revised to five declared Renewable Energy Zones after significant boundary changes.
The Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, said the latest changes followed sustained advocacy from farmers, landholders, community groups and local councils across regional Victoria.
“I want to thank every farmer, landholder, community group and local council that took the time to make submissions, attend meetings and stand up for their communities. Their advocacy has made a difference,” she said.
Labor has removed large areas from the proposed South West Renewable Energy Zone and scaled back parts of the Western Renewable Energy Zone following strong community opposition.
“When you go from study areas, to seven Renewable Energy Zones, to six, and now to five in less than two years, it is clear Labor got the planning process wrong,” Ms Kealy said.
“Communities identified problems that should have been identified before Labor started drawing lines on maps.
“For the past two years I have consistently raised community concerns with the responsible minister and in Parliament, arguing that productive agricultural land, regional industries and local communities deserved greater consideration. These changes are recognition that those concerns were valid.”
Ms Kealy said The Nationals had stood shoulder-to-shoulder with regional communities throughout the process.
“From community meetings and farm gates through to Parliament, The Nationals have advocated alongside regional Victorians and fought to ensure their voices were heard in Melbourne,” she said.
“Farmers and regional communities have shown that when they stand together and make their voices heard, governments are forced to listen.
“This outcome belongs to the communities that fought for common sense, proper consultation and better planning. It is also a reminder that regional Victoria gets better outcomes when local communities and The Nationals work together to fight for our fair share and make sure country voices are heard.”
