Time to act on solar farms

The opening of Victoria’s largest solar farm in Numurkah is good news for the region.

But it is also a reminder the Victorian Government must urgently deal with the release of final guidelines for solar farm applications in the Shepparton district. 

Bright prospects: Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica, Neoen
 managing director Louis de Sambucy and Energy,
Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio.

Yesterday, The News asked Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio why the guidelines had still not been released. 

And she said it was important ‘‘we get it right’’. 

‘‘The guidelines that are under consideration by the Planning Minister will be in place for a number of years and provide the necessary road map for industry to understand where it can invest, the local conditions it needs to take into account, and consultation with local council and community,’’ she said. 

‘‘We have to get this right and I know the Planning Minister will make his decision available at the right time when he’s considered all of the issues put forward to him.’’ 

While it is true we need to get these guidelines right, the right time to make this decision available is now. 

Because without rules in place, there is no security for the community and there is no security for agriculture producers. Getting it right can no longer be treated as an excuse and common sense must prevail. 

This Editorial is from The Shepparton News.