A community campaign calling for greater scrutiny of the Central North East Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) extension has exceeded its goal of 10,000 signatures by July 1, with around 10,500 names registered on the electronic petition by lunchtime, Monday, June 22.
The Protect Dookie & GV Campaign is seeking a pause or review of the proposed expansion, which includes part of Greater Shepparton including Dookie, Pine Lodge and Cosgrove. Community members say the extension includes land not consulted on during early draft planning stages, raising concerns about transparency and land-use impacts.
The campaign is backing a formal petition to Victoria Parliament, sponsored by Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell, which has surpassed its goal of 10,000 signatures.
Organisers are encouraging community members that oppose the REZ expansion and believe that renewable energy development should be matched with appropriate consultation and planning for regional communities to add their name to the petition before July 1.
To sign or learn more about Protect Dookie & GV, go to: www.protectdookiegoulburnvalley.com/
