By Maddison Howell
A PROPOSED $500 million battery energy storage project north of Shepparton is facing growing scrutiny, with Greater Shepparton City Council objecting to its location on productive agricultural land and a local school raising questions about potential safety risks.
Avenis Energy Pty Ltd is seeking approval for the Grahamvale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 480-megawatt facility capable of storing 1,920 megawatt-hours of electricity across four hours.
Planned for 305 Verney Road and 221 Grahamvale Road, the project is expected to generate between 100 and 180 construction jobs, alongside a small number of ongoing operational roles.
However, council formally lodged an objection to the planning application this month, arguing the proposed site sits within the Shepparton Irrigation Area, where productive agricultural land is an important part of the region’s economy.
The objection is not against battery storage infrastructure itself, but whether this particular location is appropriate.
For families living nearby, questions also extend beyond land use.
Neha Samar, a parent at All Saints Anglican School, said the proposal had raised concerns about the potential impact on students and surrounding households.
“As a parent at All Saints my concern at the moment is the impact that this project could have on our children and their education, as well as the families who live in the area,” she said.
“It’s concerning as a parent to see that there are things that can impact our children’s studies, and even more concerning when we don’t get answers to the questions we have.”
The school has also raised concerns directly with the developer.
A representative from All Saints said the principal had met with an Avenis Energy representative to discuss the proposal, including potential fire safety and toxic smoke risks and their implications for staff and students.
The school has requested an extension to the consultation period, saying many families live outside the designated notification area and may not otherwise be aware of the proposal.
As the planning process continues, the central questions remain: how will potential risks be assessed, how will affected families be informed, and can the project proceed without compromising the region’s agricultural priorities?
For the Shepparton community, the answers could shape not only one development, but the future balance between energy infrastructure, farming and local amenity.
