A community campaign to protect prime agricultural farmland in Dookie and surrounding areas has succeeded in forcing the State Government to abolish the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell last night led a debate in parliament tabled on August 11, bearing a petition with 11,760 signatures calling on the government to remove the eastern section of the Central North REZ from the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan.
During the debate, it was announced that the Minister for Energy had “today confirmed that the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone will not proceed.”
The Minister later confirmed that this applied to the entire zone, with both eastern and western sections being abandoned.
The draft Central North REZ was originally a very large area between Bendigo and Shepparton, but VicGrid responded to feedback by making the proposed zone smaller.
However, to compensate for the area lost in the western section, the Minister had approved a new eastern section for inclusion in the final Victorian Transmission Plan, running from Pine Lodge near Shepparton to Glenrowan.
Ms Lovell said this was done without any warning or consultation. Locals had not seen the proposed boundaries and were given no opportunity to assess the implications for their properties, farms, businesses and communities.
Residents from Dookie and surrounding areas did not accept this change and demanded accountability from VicGrid, driving a passionate campaign, ‘Protect Dookie & Goulburn Valley’, to gather thousands of signatures on a petition and to bring the issue to parliament.
Ms Lovell acknowledged the diligent effort of the campaigners, recognised their deep love for the land and the place they call home, and congratulated them on a successful campaign to reverse the decision.
“I congratulate the people within the Central North Renewable Energy Zone who stood up for what is right. Without their determination, Labor would have pushed ahead with the zone, but instead the community has forced the government to fold. This is a real win for people power.”
“I am delighted to have been able to assist these communities by being their voice in Parliament and a conduit to government. This win is a magnificent way to conclude my parliamentary career.”
