The Dookie community has pushed back over the proposal to establish a zone between Shepparton and Benalla which would encourage the development of solar and wind farms.
VicGrid recently announced five on-shore renewable zones across Victoria, but has held back on declarations of the central north zone, pending further consultation.
The Dookie community (and Greater Shepparton City Council) have argued the proposed zone covers high-value cropping land which should not be turned over to renewable projects.
While the council acknowledged the positive update, it raised questions about what the next stage of the process would involve and how much influence local communities will have over the final outcome.
Mayor Shane Sali noted the Central North Renewable Energy Zone was still in a consultation phase which he described as positive news, however he said there was still a lack of detail around what happens next and how community feedback would be used.
“Our community has engaged in good faith and has been clear about the importance of being heard on this issue,” Cr Sali said.
“The community has already provided strong feedback, particularly in Dookie, and they deserve to understand whether that feedback can lead to meaningful change.”
A review, commissioned by the council and undertaken by Sequana late last year, found the Central North REZ boundaries included some of Victoria’s most productive cropping land.
“There is a clear acknowledgement that more work needs to be done to get this right for our community. Our residents and landholders deserve to be properly consulted before any decisions are made,” Cr Sali said.
“Our message has been strong and consistent ‒ decisions of this scale cannot be rushed, and they must not come at the expense of our community or our productive agricultural land.”
Deputy Mayor and Pine Lodge Ward Councillor Geoff Akers said council would continue to advocate for a transparent, meaningful, community-focused process.
“Community advocacy is making a difference. We will continue to push for a process that puts people first, not timelines,” he said.
“Now is the time for our community to stay engaged, ask questions and make their voices heard because no final decision has been made.”
To provide written feedback to VicGrid on the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone, email enquiries@vicgrid.com.au
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