The Nationals have moved to ensure Gippsland locals are put first in the transition to renewables.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said Gippslanders have been left without a voice amid the renewables push from the Allan Labor Government and multi-national corporations for too long.
“Gippsland South has been inundated with proposed renewable energy developments creating confusion and angst,” Mr O’Brien said.
“I have been in regular contact with locals who feel steam-rolled and as though their concerns have gone unheard.
“Where the city-centric Allan Labor Government has failed to listen and has actively removed their right to appeal against neighbouring energy developments, The Nationals and Liberals in government will guarantee a voice for those affected most by renewable projects.”
Mr O’Brien said The Nationals and Liberals Regional Energy Development Policy will:
- Reinstate the right of appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, ensuring that community voices are heard in the planning process.
- Revoke planning scheme amendment VC261, instituted by Labor to strip local communities of planning powers over high voltage transmission lines.
- Institute a default 2km buffer zone around proposed wind towers to minimise the impact on residential properties and local communities.
- Ensure major transmission and large-scale wind and solar generation projects face a rigorous and independent planning panel assessment.
- Develop principles that ensure overhead lines adhere to strict setback requirements to minimise visual and environmental impact.
- Ensure lower emission generators, high voltage transmission lines and large scale battery owners are required to comply with all relevant bushfire overlays.
- Advocate to the Commonwealth that any compensation received by landowners for hosting major transmission lines, or for impacts caused by such projects, is exempt from taxation.
“The Nationals in government will also reinstate the third-party appeal rights that were unfairly stripped by Labor with no regard to the democratic rights of regional communities.
“As we transition away from coal, it is important that Gippslanders have the opportunity to have their say and have an avenue to stand up against developments that may threaten their way of life.
“Our policy will ensure a balance between the roll-out of renewable energy and the changes that will be needed to transmission networks.
“This plan is not just about giving locals a voice but protecting our regional communities like those in Gippsland South.”