The Cooba Solar Farm debate has plagued residents for the past year, and a decision has finally been made.
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Jemma Jones
Approval for Cooba Solar Farm was fast-tracked by Victorian Planning Minister Sonja Kilkenny on Thursday, June 5.
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The Cooba Solar Farm project involves the construction of a solar farm and battery energy storage system on a 1147-hectare site at 124 Cornella Church Rd and Plain Rd, Colbinabbin, by the Venn Energy company.
The fast-tracking of the project was made possible thanks to a new regulation implemented in 2024 which allows renewable projects to bypass panel processes or third-party appeals.
“Through this pathway, we’ve fast-tracked enough renewable energy projects to power more than half a million Victorian households with cheaper and cleaner energy,” Ms Kilkenny said.
At its December meeting, Campaspe Shire councillors passed a recommendation made by officers to oppose the project.
A report submitted by officers pointed out discrepancies in Venn Energy’s planning application including a lack of alignment with the strategic planning context and failure to demonstrate strong economic community benefits, particularly in relation to job creation and procurement.
It also reported concerns about incomplete soil assessments and lack of details on how the land would be restored after the project ends.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Daniel Mackrell said he was “extremely disappointed” by the decision to approve the Cooba Solar Farm.
“Council and the community raised significant concern in relation to the suitability of the site for the proposal and the impact the solar farm would have on productive agricultural land,” he said.
“The agricultural sector is highly important to both the economy and social fabric of Campaspe Shire and this decision has failed to adequately consider these impacts.
“The application and the decision have not considered the extensive concerns raised and does not demonstrate any net community benefit to the immediate community or broader region.
“Council is deeply concerned about the long-term impacts the minister’s decision will have on the community and the inability to review the decision only heightens this.
Venn Energy said the solar facility will take up 606 hectares of the 1000 hectares it is proposed for.
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The project is expected to be operational from 2027 and will have a capacity of up to 500 MW, which is enough to power 180,000 Victorian homes and reduce carbon emissions by 470,713 tonnes annually.
It will also include a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity up to 300 MW.
In a statement, Venn Energy said the project is expected to procure 370 jobs — 350 temporary positions during construction and 20 permanent operational roles.
Venn Energy pledged to invest in the local community, promising $200,000 yearly through a Community Benefit Fund, amounting to $6 million over the project's 30-year lifespan.
“Venn Energy remains committed to working closely with landholders, neighbours, and the broader community to ensure transparent communication and responsible project delivery,” it said.
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