Solar projects in spotlight

State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed has welcomed a Victorian Government decision to assess planning applications for four proposed Greater Shepparton region solar farm projects.

State Member for Shepparton,
Suzanna Sheed.

Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne announced last week he would appoint an independent panel to assess the applications at Congupna, Lemnos, Tallygaroopna and Tatura East after Greater Shepparton City Council requested he stepped in.

The issue is an agenda item at tonight’s council meeting.

Ms Sheed said while it was usually preferable for councils to determine planning applications in their own municipality, the complexity of assessing solar projects in agricultural districts called for additional support.

Raising her concerns with Mr Wynne, Ms Sheed said she also urged the government to address the lack of relevant guidelines.

‘‘While the Greater Shepparton area enjoys plentiful sunshine year round, making it an ideal location for solar farms, it is also home to the prime agricultural land at the heart of our economy,’’ she said.

‘‘It is important that we find a balance between renewable energy investment and the sustainable future of our farming industry.

‘‘An independent panel will bring welcome expertise to the decision-making process and enable all parties to be heard in an appropriate forum.’’

Just days before the applications were due to be assessed at tonight’s meeting, the council agenda had revealed that councillors were recommended to vote in favour of the applications, subject to a raft of conditions.

But Mr Wynne ‘‘called in’’ the applications and said the panel would ensure objectors had their say and their concerns were addressed appropriately.

Ms Sheed said she was pleased the panel would also provide broader advice on how future solar farm projects would be assessed in Victoria.

‘‘Renewable energy is a rapidly growing sector and I expect we will see increasing numbers of applications for solar farms across the state,’’ Ms Sheed said.

‘‘If you combine that with the significant proportion of land used for agricultural purposes, there will no doubt be other councils in Victoria facing similar challenges to ours.

‘‘I would hope the findings of this expert panel will support all councils in setting regionspecific planning strategies for solar farms for the benefit of their individual communities.’’

Story by Tara Whitsed from today’s Shepparton News - “Solar projects in spotlight.”