Council
24 October, 2024
Opposition unveils key new energy policy
THE Coalition has unveiled a new policy which they believe will put locals first in the transition to renewables.
The Liberals and Nationals have said locals have been denied a voice as the Allan Labor Government pushes for renewable energy transitions, which has included the government fast-tracking approvals such as the Mortlake Energy Hub.
Member for Lowan and deputy leader of the Nationals Emma Kealy said a future Coalition Government would “guarantee affected residents had a say over renewable energy projects”.
She said the policy, the Regional Energy Development Policy, would reinstate the right of appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal – which Labor withdrew earlier this year – ensuring community voices were heard in the planning process.
Ms Kealy said the policy would ensure major transmission and large-scale wind and solar generation projects face a rigorous and independent planning panel assessment; institute a default two-kilometre buffer zone around proposed wind towers to minimise the impact on residential properties and local communities, and ensure lower-emission generators, high-voltage transmission lines and large-scale battery owners are required to comply with all relevant bushfire overlays.
The policy will also advocate for tax exemption on any compensation landowners receive for hosting major transmission lines, and develop principles that ensure overhead lines adhere to strict setback requirements to minimise visual and environmental impact.
Ms Kealy said the policy would be a breakthrough for regional communities, including those impacted by the proposed Mortlake Energy Hub – a combined solar and battery facility which Labor fast-tracked approval of recently – and other renewable projects in Victoria.
“Our proposal restores the balance between the roll-out of renewable energy and the changes to transmission networks,” she said.
“We support the transition away from coal, however this must occur in close consultation with regional communities.
“A Nationals and Liberals Government will reinstate the third-party appeal rights that Labor has stripped from regional communities because it is unfair and anti-democratic to deny those who are directly affected by these major projects from having a say.
“We will also instate a bond system – something that already operates in the mining sector – to guarantee developers ensure all decommissioned projects are fully cleaned up and restored.
“Our policy will also protect the community from dodgy operators who, for their own personal gain, want to get approval for projects then flip them to buyers unknown to the community.”
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