There is no question there will be heavy anticipation surrounding a decision on the report into four major solar farm proposals for the City of Greater Shepparton.here will be anticipation from a number of parties.
Greater Shepparton City Council, which had referred these applications on to Victoria’s planning minister for one, landowners and orchardists abutting proposed sites and, of course, the solar farm developers wanting to build these facilities, just to name a few.
But the outcome of the independent planning panel, which this year considered the four solar proposals in Lemnos, Tatura East, Congupna and Tallygaroopna — between them constituting hundreds of millions of dollars in development costs and estimated to produce hundreds of megawatts of power — could range far beyond just this region.
The findings of the panel are set to help inform new guidelines.
‘‘We’re developing clear guidelines for the assessment of solar farm applications in Victoria — to give locals certainty and support jobs,’’ a government spokesperson this week said.
The News understands the independent planning panel’s report into the four solar farm projects for the Goulburn Valley has been handed down to the planning minister and that he is Seeing the light: considering the recommendations, with the report set to be released in September.
As some local stakeholders, including the Committee for Greater Shepparton, have already suggested, there is no need to rush this.
It is far more important that the guidelines created factor in land use, such as concerns aired locally around the best use of prime agricultural land.
It is important that they cast an eye on future land uses of proposed sites, ensuring the right solar developments are encouraged for the most suitable parts of the region.
That resulting guidelines are likely to apply to solar developments in other parts of the state reinforces the need for them to be strong and take many factors into account.
It seems for now, come next month, we will know more.
Editorial from the Shepparton News - "Correct solar ruling vital."
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