The Liberals and Nationals will put local communities back at the forefront of decisions around renewable projects in a regional energy policy announced last week.
Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said the policy will restore the opportunity for local people to have their say in the approvals process.
“We support the development of renewables in the right locations as part of the overall energy mix, but it is simply unfair Labor has removed communities from having the right of appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), which is the independent arbitrator,” he said.
“As we have seen around the state and locally, such proposals often evoke a range of opinions. Those with legitimate concerns should have the right to have these assessed at VCAT and that is what we will restore.”
Leader of The Nationals, Peter Walsh, said leaving locals without a voice or an avenue of appeal was un-Australian.
“This announcement means the Liberals and Nationals will be putting locals first in the transition to
renewables by restoring their opportunity to have stronger say and a fair hearing,” he said.
Elements of the regional energy policy include:
– Reinstatement the right of appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, ensuring that community voices are heard in the planning process.
– Revoke planning scheme amendment instituted by Labor to strip local communities of planning powers over the high voltage transmission lines.
– Institute a default 2km buffer zone around proposed wind towers to minimise the impact on residential properties and local communities.
– Ensure major transmission and large-scale wind and solar generation projects face a rigorous and independent planning panel assessment.
– Develop principles that ensure overhead lines adhere to strict setback requirements to minimise visual and environmental impact.
– Ensure lower emission generators, high voltage transmission lines and large-scale battery owners are required to comply with all relevant bushfire overlays.
– Establish a security-bond scheme to ensure the proponent was responsible for clean-up and restoration of the land after decommissioning.
