Feedback sought on renewable energy plans

COMMUNITIES, landholders, Traditional Owners and the energy industry have been invited to have their say on the development of the long-term strategic plan for Victoria’s renewable energy and its major transmission infrastructure.

The state government is developing the Victorian Transmission Plan, and last week, VicGrid – the government agency responsible for planning and developing the Renewable Energy Zones – released a draft of the Victorian Transmission Plan guidelines.

The guidelines explain how VicGrid will determine how much renewable energy is needed to be generated where and by when, what transmission projects are required, and how VicGrid will partner with communities and industry to make these decisions.

It also includes an initial study area, showing which parts of Victoria will be investigated further to determine the best places to host future wind and solar generation.

According to a map in the community summary of the Victorian Transmission Plan, wind projects will be excluded under Victoria’s planning laws from the entirety of the Bellarine Peninsula, central Geelong and in a band stretching west along the coastline towards the Twelve Apostles.

Much of the hinterland to the west of Geelong is classified as Tier 1 and Tier 2 areas, which are “most suitable for investigation” and “suitable for investigation” respectively.

The study area will be narrowed down to smaller areas for investigation and eventually, proposed Renewable Energy Zones through further engagement and analysis.

VicGrid chief executive officer Alistair Parker said community input would play a crucial role at this stage and throughout the process of developing the Victorian Transmission Plan.

“We are changing the way energy infrastructure is delivered in Victoria and early and meaningful engagement is at the heart of our approach.

“We need the input of regional communities, farmers, landholders and First Peoples so we can get this right for all Victorians, reduce impacts and deliver real benefits.”

Mr Parker said the energy industry also had a role to play in informing the Victorian Transmission Plan, and ncouraged businesses to engage with VicGrid to share their knowledge and expertise.

Consultation on the guidelines is open until August 25, while consultation on the study areas is open until September 30.

A draft Victorian Transmission Plan will be published early in 2025 with a further round of consultation before publication of the final plan by July 2025.

For more information, including details of community drop-in sessions, head to engage.vic.gov.au/vicgrid