Victorians are invited to have their say on the future of community renewable energy projects.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas today launched the Community Renewable Energy Projects Discussion Paper.
Feedback will guide the Andrews Labor Government’s rejuvenation of the renewable energy industry for community projects and open the door for community wind farms.
It will also examine whether the current payment-in-lieu-of-rates methodology for power stations adequately meet the needs of small-scale and community renewable energy projects, and if not, what changes are needed.
The planning system currently considers all wind farm facilities according to the same criteria, which restricts community wind farm projects from being developed in areas such as the Macedon Ranges.
Many communities are coming up with plans and proposals to make renewable energy part of their everyday life.
They are bottom-up approaches that deliver benefits to local communities and work to reduce Victoria’s overall carbon footprint.
The Labor Government is leading change towards more sustainable energy generation and use, with the Renewable Energy Target of 25 per cent by 2020, and 40 per cent by 2025.
The targets will bring forward an estimated $2.5 billion of investment and create an additional 4000 jobs in Victoria's renewable energy sector at the peak of construction.
Consultation is now open for community and stakeholder feedback until 28 November .
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’ve set strong renewable energy targets and want Victoria to be carbon neutral by 2050. Local community led clean energy projects will be critical in helping us deliver on our ambitious agenda.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“We encourage community renewable energy projects, because this is about communities taking ownership of climate change in a very practical way. We’re making sure the planning system supports a healthier and cleaner future for all Victorians.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“Woodend locals are keen to develop their community wind farm, which is currently prohibited. We want wind farms in the Macedon Ranges and this discussion paper is seeking input into how we best achieve this.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020