Four solar options for consideration

Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne will consider four solar farm planning applications located across Greater Shepparton. 

Victorian Planning Minister
 Richard Wynne.

Greater Shepparton councillors decided at Tuesday’s meeting that the minister would deal with the applications. 

Mr Wynne said he had the option of approving or rejecting the permits, or approving them with conditions that stuck a balance and addressed community concern.

‘‘Renewable energy projects create jobs, drive down power prices and boost regional communities, but that doesn’t mean they deserve a rubber stamp,’’ he said. 

‘‘We’ll ensure all objectors have their say and their concerns are addressed where appropriate.’’ Mr Wynne will convene an independent planning panel to consider the merits of the proposals, and then provide advice for him to consider. 

‘‘These are significant proposals and deserve the highest levels of consideration. We’ll be asking an independent group of experts to closely examine the merits of these proposed solar farms,’’ State Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said. 

The planning panel will fast-track the assessment of the permits and will also provide advice to Mr Wynne and Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio about how future solar farm applications will be assessed in the state. 

The applications to be considered by the panel include a 45 MW solar farm in Ferguson Rd, Tatura East, a 30 MW solar farm in Victoria Rd, Tallygaroopna, a 100 MW solar farm in Lemnos and a 68 MW solar farm in Congupna.

Today’s story by Rodney Woods from the Shepparton News - “Four solar options for consideration.”