The zones will become a priority for the establishment of solar farms and wind farms to drive the government’s push for renewable energy.
The proposed central-north zone will occupy a large slab of the Campaspe Shire between Rushworth, Rochester and Kyabram.
The Campaspe Shire is opposing the draft zone and has pointed out that it conflicts with the Campaspe Planning Scheme and regional economic development strategies.
Furthermore, according to the shire, the zone overlooks the strategic importance of irrigated agriculture and food production in the region.
The shire has also pointed out that the zone would contradict the government’s own plans for renewable energy.
Speaking at a recent council meeting, councillor Paul Jarman supported the shire’s submission to VicGrid over the Victorian Transmission Plan, noting the concerns raised in the submission, including a lack of consultation with council.
“There are four clear themes that we have a problem,” he said.
“It is also misleading in it makes the statement that consideration was given to align with the regional and local economic development strategies when undertaken, and this appears to be inaccurate at (the) very least.”
The zone includes the proposed Cooba Solar Farm, south of Colbinabbin, which winegrowers and the local community is opposing.
The shire is pointing out the draft plan highlights that no additional solar capacity is required for the zone, and that 60-100 megawatts of wind capacity is required.
“This indication that no further solar capacity is required within the zone appears to contradict a recent decision made by the Minister for Planning in relation to the Cooba Solar Farm,” the shire said in its submission.
The minister has given approval for the solar farm.
The shire has determined that about half of the draft zone is in the Goulburn-Murray irrigation district and has access to Goulburn-Murray Water infrastructure.
Meanwhile, VicGrid said the Victorian Transmission Plan was using a new approach that incorporates community and stakeholder engagement from the start of the process, along with analysis and technical work.
“VicGrid’s approach features a strategic land use assessment to identify suitable areas for energy infrastructure development,” VicGrid said on its website.
“This assessment considers key land use, environmental and community factors where in the past, the only early considerations were technical and economic.
“This will allow planners to identify the most appropriate areas for generation and transmission development across the state, while avoiding highly sensitive areas,”
But the Campaspe Shire said the proposed north-central zone covers an area that holds significant value, socially and economically, particularly due to its unique combination of climate, soils and access to irrigated water.
“Council is concerned that the approach and methodology applied in determining the location and extent of the zone areas has not given sufficient weight to these attributes,” the shire said.
“The selection of the zone for wind generation has not been based on any specific studies, and therefore there is little evidence to conclude that this area is suitable for this type of renewable energy generation.”
The final 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan will be published later this year.
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