Council
4 February, 2026
Councillors slam proposed renewable zones
CORANGAMITE Shire Council has signalled a willingness to support the Victorian Government’s Draft Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), dependent on significant changes which would limit the impact of new projects being greenlit within the in the shire.
The establishment of REZ is intended to designate areas for the strategic rollout of future renewable energy developments.
Two of the proposed zones, the central highlands and south west zones, include parts of Corangamite Shire.
The proposition has been greeted with concern from councillors who believe the ongoing encroachment of renewable projects on towns could have significant negative consequences across the shire.
Councillors voted unanimously at last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council to provide in-principle support for the REZ, subject to changes.
Among the primary concerns to be addressed are the cumulative impacts of existing and proposed renewable energy projects on landscape character, amenity, agricultural operations and local communities.
The encroachment of renewable energy projects on high-value agricultural land, visual and environmental impact on scenic, geological and cultural landscapes, impact on areas of high Aboriginal cultural significance and unwanted disruption of native flora and fauna are among the impact’s councillors are wary of.
Councillors also agreed to write to Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio, reiterating ongoing concern and opposition to the siting of renewable energy infrastructure outside of the designated REZ.
Councillor Geraldine Conheady moved the motion, saying the inclusion of Noorat and its surrounding districts within the South West REZ draft was one of her largest concerns.
“Noorat and its surrounds have for generations supported highly productive dairy farming and generated enormous economic value and employment,” she said.
“Noorat already has a wind farm and transmission infrastructure located very close to the town.
“Further cumulative impact from existing and proposed renewable development will be a risk to agricultural viability and operations, and is a clear contradiction to clear planning directions and to protect the shire’s agricultural base.
“The state itself cites protection of agricultural land in its own planning scheme.”
Cr Conheady said the elevated bushfire risk in Noorat due to the environmental and weather characteristics of the village only “add further to the unsuitability for its inclusion in the South West REZ”.
“The design of the draft REZ still does not adequately recognise highly productive agricultural landscape and land use conflict,” she said.
“In fact, one of the purposes for the REZ is to minimise conflict with other high-value land uses.
“If identifying strategic areas shows developers and communities where development is appropriate, why on earth are established towns swallowed up within the REZ boundaries?
“I find that very odd indeed.
“Why are the people of these towns not deserving of sound planning principles and provided a suitable buffer from the REZ to protect residential areas and future potential?”
Cr Conheady also expressed frustration there are proposed wind farm developments outside of the boundaries for the REZ, including Swansons Lane Wind Farm at Garvoc and Mumblin Wind Farm at Elingamite.
“The state planning minister’s willingness to approve planning applications outside of the REZ undermines the state’s purported strategic planning and renewable development,” she said.
“It undermines trust and confidence in the state planning scheme – it undermines confidence for farmers and other businesses to invest.”