Council
20 March, 2024
Easier path for renewables
RENEWABLE energy projects across the state will be fast tracked, with the state government announcing accelerated planning approvals last week.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the projects would be treated the same as other significant works like the Big Housing Build.
Since 2015, more than one in five applications for renewable energy projects have ended up in VCAT.
Right now, there is currently reportedly $90 billion worth of investment value in renewable projects in the pipeline.
Under the change, all new renewable projects in Victoria will be treated as significant economic development, making them eligible for an accelerated pathway – removing the planning panel process and third-party appeals at VCAT.
Renewable projects currently sitting in approvals would also be able to access the accelerated pathway.
The change means from the time a complete application gets lodged, decisions could be made within four months.
The State Government maintains communities who want to raise concerns with a proposal would continue to be protected.
However, they have said third party objections would still have a place in the approvals process, but the change prevents time-consuming and repeated delays which can hold projects back years.
“We will cut the red tape holding back projects that provide stronger, cheaper power for Victorians,” Ms Allan said.
“The current system means that important projects can be tied up for years seeking approval.
“It delays construction and deters investment, and instead of spinning turbines, we’re too often left spinning our wheels.”
Moyne Shire mayor Ian Smith was seeking assurances from the State Government community concerns will still be heard and taken into consideration amid changes to the approval process for renewable energy projects.
Cr Smith said Moyne Shire Council was the state’s “renewable energy powerhouse” and has been involved in renewable developments and planning processes for a quarter of a century.
He said he was deeply concerned removing the independent planning panel process from renewable energy developments would erase a vital chance for the community and other stakeholders to have their say.
“The panel process was an opportunity for the community and stakeholders like council to put forward their concerns and have them heard by an independent group who then made recommendations to the Minister,” Cr Smith said.
“I want assurances from the Premier and Planning Minister that community concerns will still be heard and given due consideration - not just received and filed. I want to know how that process will work with the removal of planning panels and VCAT objections.
“I’ll be reaching out to the Premier, the Minister and the department to highlight how critical it is the views of the community who will be hosting these projects for the next 25 years are given the utmost respect and consideration.”
Cr Smith said Moyne Shire Council’s overarching position on renewable energy developments has not changed and it is still calling for a pause on new developments until strategic land use planning is completed.
“Moyne Shire is already home to 310 operating wind turbines with another 410 under construction or in planning - covering around 12 per cent of our total land area,” he said.