VicGrid's community meetings in Dookie wrapped up last week, with several hundred attendees across the three sessions.
Photo by
Nicholas Spandler
Community frustration and calls for clarity dominated VicGrid meetings in Dookie over the past two weeks, as residents sought answers about the town’s inclusion in a proposed Renewable Energy Zone.
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The final session was held on Monday, May 11, following two consultation sessions on May 5 and 6.
Locals turned out in force, with several hundred community members attending.
“People are looking for direct answers... not vague responses, and not more words without substance,” one community member said.
Residents raised a range of concerns, including the impact on high-value agricultural land, flood risk, insurance liability and the overall transparency of the process.
Detailed local mapping presented at the meeting highlighted large areas of floodplain within the proposed zone.
VicGrid representatives acknowledged many concerns but said some answers were still subject to ongoing work and ministerial decisions.
They emphasised that renewable energy development was inevitable, but the REZ approach would co-ordinate projects and reduce unplanned development.
VicGrid noted that it was pursuing a shift toward more structured planning and further community engagement.
However, some attendees questioned the process, expressing concern that key rules and guidelines were not yet finalised.
“How can we trust... you’re going to be able to act in our best interests?” one resident asked.
Mt Major near Dookie
A major sticking point was consultation timing, with locals arguing Dookie had less opportunity to respond compared to other regions.
“We’re not asking for the minimum, we’re asking for a fair and equitable standard,” another speaker said.
State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has called on Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio to listen to Dookie residents and remove the area from the drafted REZ.
“Members of the Dookie community have made their views crystal clear – they do not want to be part of the renewable energy zone,” Ms Lovell said.
VicGrid committed to providing written responses and returning with clearer timelines, as discussions around the proposed REZ continue.
