Council
25 February, 2026
Councillors meet planning minister
APPROPRIATE location of renewable energy projects to not conflict with existing use, especially agriculture, was on top of the agenda when the leaders of two south west Victorian councils met the State Planning Minister recently.
Corangamite Shire mayor councillor Kate Makin and chief executive officer David Rae, their Moyne counterparts mayor councillor Jordan Lockett and CEO Mark Eversteyn, and Moyne director environment, economy and place Jodie McNamara, met with Minister Sonya Kilkenny on Thursday, February 12.
The council representatives highlighted renewable energy development must be strategic, properly planned and aligned with designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) − not driven purely by grid proximity.
Describing consultation on the Swansons Lane and advertised Mumblin projects as “grossly inadequate” they advocated renewal projects should be confined to the proposed Renewable Energy Zones to avoid land use conflicts and protect highly productive agricultural land.
The group sought assurances from Minister Kilkenny decisions such as the Swansons Lane Wind Farm would not be used as precedents to justify future proposals outside the South West REZ (SWREZ).
They also sought assurances no renewable energy projects would be approved outside of the SWREZ and the Development Facilitation Program should not be a pathway for developers to bypass the REZ guidelines.
“The minister gave us a good hearing,” Cr Makin said.
“We put it to her that the consultation processes has to be realistic and respectful, especially during the Fire Danger Period when communities are focused on protecting lives and livelihoods.
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“The whole process needs to be put on pause while our communities recover from bushfires, not rushed through while people are preoccupied with immediate needs.
“We also called on the minister to ensure there are ongoing community benefits by building conditions into planning approvals that leave a lasting legacy for our residents, rather than companies disrupting local lives and businesses, then just leaving once they’ve made their money.”
Cr Lockett said councils would continue to advocate for residents and businesses impacted by the proposed projects.
“We were grateful for the opportunity to explain to Minister Kilkenny how communities will be affected by the proposed Swansons Lane and Mumblin wind farms,” Cr Lockett said.
“Our visit was all about giving voice to the concerns of our residents, farmers and agriculture businesses, and we will continue to advocate on their behalf.
“We also spoke to the importance of lifting community and economic benefits to those impacted by renewable energy infrastructure.”
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