By Aaron Cordy
THE State Government, via VicGrid, has released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), including a section of land between Shepparton and Glenrowan that was not in the original draft.
The use of local agricultural land prompted concerns from local groups, including Greater Shepparton City Council, which has responded with a peer review of the proposal and is inviting community feedback via a Central North REZ survey to help shape its formal submission to VicGrid.
Greater Shepparton Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the community’s voice on the proposal is essential.
“Our region is home to some of the state’s most productive farmland, vibrant rural communities, and sensitive natural landscapes. We want to ensure that any renewable energy planning respects what our community values and is based on fair and transparent consultation,” he said.
Council’s survey allows residents, landholders and businesses to provide feedback that will directly inform Council’s submission and help advocate for outcomes that reflect what matters most to residents and the future of the region.
While the local REZ has raised some concerns in the community, some believe renewable energy is the way forward and embrace the opportunity to host new renewable energy, like wind turbines, solar farms or batteries on their property.
One local farmer believes council’s response to REZ is short-sighted and may affect local farmers making the most of the opportunity to drought-proof their farm through the scheme.
“Some politicians and councillors are trying to paint renewables as a threat to agriculture. The truth is the opposite,” said the local farmer who wished to have his name withheld.
“Around Shepparton, dryland grazing averages about $150–$300 per hectare per year after costs. Solar leases can return $750–$1,500 per hectare, and farmers keep grazing the same paddocks. That’s a combined income of $900–$1,800 per hectare per year is often the difference between surviving another drought or selling up.
“The only voices that count are those of the farmers inside the Renewable Energy Zone, which follows the existing high-voltage transmission lines. These are the people who may wish to add solar income to their existing farm operations. It’s their land, their livelihoods, and their choice.
The Central North (REZ) Survey is open until Friday, October 17 and can be accessed via Council’s online engagement platform, Shaping Greater Shepp: https://shaping.greatershepparton.com.au/renewable-energy-zone. For more information, phone 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
