The Victorian Government, through VicGrid, released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several REZs across the state, in areas it considers most suitable for future solar and wind farm development.
One of these proposed zones, the Central North REZ, has seen a newly added eastern section between Shepparton and Glenrowan.
This eastern section was not included in earlier drafts of the Victorian Transmission Plan, and has prompted Greater Shepparton City Council concern due to impact on prime agricultural land, limited community consultation, economic impacts and transparency of the decision-making process.
In response, council is conducting a peer review of the proposal and is inviting community feedback through a survey to help shape council’s formal submission to VicGrid.
Council’s survey gives residents, landholders and businesses the opportunity to provide feedback that will directly inform council’s submission and help advocate for outcomes that reflect what matters most to residents and the future of the region.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the community’s voice on the proposal was essential.
“Our region is home to some of the state’s most productive farmland, vibrant rural communities and sensitive natural landscapes,” Cr Sali said.
“We want to ensure that any renewable energy planning respects what our community values and is based on fair and transparent consultation.
“We’ve heard that some residents were unaware of this proposal, and others want to know how their input will be used.”
Cr Sali said this was a chance to be heard and to contribute to a balanced, evidence-based approach to renewable energy in Greater Shepparton.
The Central North REZ survey is open until Friday, October 17 and can be accessed at shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/renewable-energy-zone
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