General News
8 August, 2024
New zone “unjustified”
A SOUTH West MP has slammed what she says is the Victorian Government’s mismanagement of the energy network, saying regional Victorians would pay the price.
Member or Lowan Emma Kealy has hit out at the draft Victorian Transmission Plan Guidelines, saying a proposed new zone in Western Victoria was unjustified.
The Victorian Transmission Plan outlines the long-term strategic vision for energy infrastructure in Victoria.
The guidelines outline the methodology which will be used to develop the plan, which includes sites for future renewable energy and transmission development over the next 15 years.
The Opposition has hit out at the plan, saying Labor had failed to adequately invest in Victoria’s transmission and distribution networks for a decade, and was now rushing through new transmission lines and renewable energy zones without proper consultation with regional communities.
Ms Kealy, who is currently the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, raised concerns the plan would have a negative impact on agricultural land.
She also said despite warnings from the Victorian Farmer’s Federation stating the proposed sites across Western Victoria, Ballarat and Swan Hill were “totally inappropriate” due to their soil composition and rainfall levels, the State Government continued to progress their flawed plan.
“Labor must explain why it has revoked recently reviewed renewable energy zones across the state and established a new zone in western Victoria without any justification,” Ms Kealy said.
“We must prioritise and protect our prime agricultural zones that contribute so much to our economy.”
Shadow Minister for Energy, Affordability and Security David Davis said the energy system had been mismanaged.
“The Allan Labor Government is pushing ahead with its proposals to cover rural Victoria with renewable energy zones and long-distance transmission lines, without genuinely consulting with these communities,” he said.
“Having mismanaged our energy system for a decade, Labor have torn planning powers from councils and communities and are stream rolling local communities across the state.”
The community has until August 25 to submit feedback on the draft guidelines, which can be made at https://engage.vic.gov.au/victransmissionplan.