Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said it appeared VicGrid had not done its homework.
“They were presented with a report from the council in November last year and that report clearly stated that this is not an appropriate place for an energy zone due to its high agricultural productivity,” Mr Birrell said.
“And yet they have turned up in May saying: we need to learn about agricultural productivity of this land, when it was all given to them in November.
“If they had taken on that report we would not be even at this stage.
“We wouldn’t even have a draft REZ.”
Although it was fundamentally a state planning issue, Mr Birrell said it was the outcome of a botched national energy plan.
He said his party was committed to fighting to see high value agricultural land was not included in renewable energy zones.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said community consultation had not been achieved in the early stages of the process.
“VicGrid acknowledged that the process was not appropriate,” Cr Sali said.
“This is some of the highest producing agricultural land in Victoria and it needs to be respected and protected.
“We’re not opposed to renewable energy; we are in favour of finding the appropriate place not sitting on highest producing land in the state.
“What was highlighted tonight was the information that we had already put in front of them in the report.
“We know there are strong views in the community, and that’s understandable.
“The transition to renewable energy must not come at the cost of our most productive farmland or without proper engagement with the people who live and work here.
“It was encouraging to see such a strong turnout and to see people engaging respectfully, even when discussions became challenging.
“These are not easy conversations, but they are essential,” he said.
City of Greater Shepparton Deputy Mayor and Pine Lodge Ward representative Geoff Akers said ongoing and genuine consultation was important.
“The Dookie community made it very clear that they want their voices heard in these discussions,” Cr Akers said.
“This isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about protecting a way of life that has been built over many generations.
“Dookie sits in the heart of some of our most productive agricultural land, and that came through strongly in the conversations last night.
“It’s important that VicGrid continues this strong engagement which we saw in Dookie.”
A third Dookie community session was due to be held on Monday, May 11 from 7pm to 8pm.
