VCAT removal sparks outrage
THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) has been removed from the renewables appeal process, a decision that has sparked major concerns among the community. State Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, voiced these concerns in Parliament, highlighting the removal of third-party appeals to VCAT for renewable energy projects.
“This government is stripping regional communities of their rights,” O’Keeffe said, citing an outcry from landowners over the loss of their right to challenge transmission infrastructure in VCAT. “This is a blatant attempt by the Allan Labor Government to silence regional voices in favour of large renewable energy corporations.”
O’Keeffe also criticised the government’s failure to introduce desired renewable energy projects, accusing them of suppressing dissent and forcing unwanted projects upon communities.
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president, Emma Germano, echoed O’Keeffe’s sentiments, condemning the State Government’s decision to expedite renewable energy projects through accelerated planning approvals. Germano described the move as a “slap in the face” after years of “sham consultation with farming communities.”
The change implies that a decision on new projects can be made within four months of lodging a complete application. O’Keeffe stated, “Four months is not long enough for a planning proposal that can no longer be challenged in the future.”
