General News
19 July, 2022
Council waiting for Mumblin notice
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has committed to listening to community concerns about the proposed Mumblin Wind Farm near Cobden.
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has committed to listening to community concerns about the proposed Mumblin Wind Farm near Cobden.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said council was waiting for formal notice of the permit application from State Government.
“We understand there is a lot of interest in the wind farm and are keen to hear from the applicant and residents once we see the full proposal,” she said.
Applicant RE Future is finalising a permit application to the Victorian Planning Minister for 10 wind turbines along Curdies-Leichfield Road, with plans to connect to the Cobden substation through existing powerlines.
“The Minister for Planning Lizzie Blandthorn makes the final decision on renewable energy permits, however, council will make a submission once the application is released for public comment,” Cr Gstrein said.
“Key issues and concerns raised by the community will be considered and will inform council’s submission.”
Cr Gstrein said council had made a number of submissions to the State Government over the past two years highlighting concerns around renewable energy projects concentrated in Corangamite Shire and their impact on prime agricultural land.
Recent proposals have included Bookaar Solar Farm, Bostocks Creek Solar Farm, Naroghid Wind Farm, Berrybank Wind Farm, and the Terang Battery Energy Storage Project.
“What we are currently seeing is opportunistic and ad-hoc development in a developer-led industry,” Cr Gstrein said.
“What we would like to see is a comprehensive Renewable Energy Plan developed by the Victorian Government which considers strategic priorities and state-wide land-use planning objectives.”
Cr Gstrein said council supported renewable energy.
“This council acknowledges the importance of transitioning to renewable energy, but we also need to recognise the impacts these proposals have on agriculture, rural landscapes, and our farming communities,” she said.
“Agriculture continues to be Corangamite Shire’s strategic priority."
“It is our primary industry, major employer and economic driver, and it is really important there are measures in place to protect it over the long-term.”