Community
21 August, 2025
More renewables projects coming?
THE Victorian Government has released a new long-term strategy which has marked Mortlake and surrounds as a prime area for the future development of renewable energy projects.
VicGrid this week released the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, the first strategic long-term plan for renewable energy zones and transmission infrastructure in Victoria.
The plan includes six areas across regional Victoria which have been listed as renewable energy zones, the areas most suitable to host new renewable energy projects such as wind turbines and solar farms.
This includes a South West Renewable Energy Zone which encompasses all or partof Mortlake, Woorndoo, Caramut, Hexham, Ellerslie, Kolora and Dundonnell – spanning through to McArthur.
The plan is designed to set out what transmission infrastructure is needed over the next 15 years to deliver energy to Victorian homes and businesses, with an estimated cost of $7.9 billion for the rollout.
The move is one the State Government says will protect energy security which could have an impact of up to $9.6 billion on the economy over the next 30 years.
But the designation of the energy zone has drawn frustration from some who believe the regions are already doing all the heavy lifting to secure the state’s energy supply – and getting nothing in return.
Lowan MP Emma Kealy was among the members of the opposition to hit out at the plan, saying the State Government had “hit a new low” in displaying its “continued contempt for regional Victorians”.
She said Labor’s continued railroading of communities in its rush towards renewables was disgraceful.
“Our communities had no idea this was coming, and those whose properties are now within the expanded zones have not been consulted,” Ms Kealy said.
“These are not small changes, but significant shifts that push renewable energy zones into entirely new communities, without any thought given to the people who live there and whose livelihoods are inherently tied to this land.
“The government expects our region to do the heavy lifting for the state by hosting more renewables, but continues to treat us with contempt and gives us nothing in return.
“Instead, we’re left with more potholes and crumbling roads, less housing options and fewer health services.”
Ms Kealy said The Nationals were committed to working alongside regional communities and ensuring consultation, fairness and protection on all major renewable projects.
“Energy infrastructure is important, but not at the expense of local communities and livelihoods,” she said.
“We will restore regional voices and defend regional rights by giving back farmers the right to appeal to VCAT and reinstating the two-kilometre buffer zones around proposed wind towers to safeguard properties.
“We will also review the renewable energy zones to ensure that regional Victorians aren’t unnecessarily wearing the burden of renewable energy projects.”
Western District Newspapers sought comment from Moyne Shire Council regarding the announcement, however council withheld response until the document can be further considered.
“Moyne Shire, along with other councils in the region, has recently received a copy of the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan from VicGrid,” Moyne Shire Council mayor councillor Karen Foster said.
“As it has just been received, councillors and officers are working through the documents and will be able to respond to enquiries once we’re fully across its content.
“During the development of this plan, Moyne has made a number of submissions to the process which are available on our website.”
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said VicGrid had carefully considered all the feedback in preparing the plan including in regards to sensitive areas such as brolga habitats and irrigated agricultural land.
He said there was also clear feedback from industry stakeholders about the size of zones.
“Industry stakeholders consistently told us the size of zones and the amount of energy generated from each zone needed to be at a level that enabled the development of technically and commercially viable renewable projects,” Mr Parker said.
“The Victorian Transmission Plan will ensure an orderly energy transition and has been designed through consultation to minimise impacts on landholders, regional communities and crucial regional industries like agriculture.”
“VicGrid has worked hard to balance a range of factors as we make difficult decisions about where energy infrastructure is needed to deliver reliable and affordable power to Victorian homes, businesses and industry.”
The area covered by proposed renewable energy zones in the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan takes up approximately 7.9 per cent of Victorian land.
Less than one per cent of land will be needed to host physical infrastructure like wind turbines, solar panels and access roads.
Read More: Mortlake