The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien says the Allan Labor Government has once again ignored the concerns of local residents after approving a planning permit for the proposed Gelliondale Wind Farm.
Mr O’Brien said the decision was another example of Labor steamrolling regional communities in its rush toward renewable energy projects.
“This is yet another case of a city-centric Labor Government refusing to listen to genuine community concerns about the impacts this wind farm will have on local amenity, the environment, tourism and agriculture,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This State Government is hell-bent on steamrolling regional communities to prove its green credentials.”
Mr O’Brien said local residents had been stripped of their right to appeal the decision through VCAT under Labor’s fast-track approvals process for renewable energy projects.
“It should be remembered that the previous version of this wind farm was overturned at VCAT after local residents exposed planning failures by both the developer and the State Government.
“That appeal process was an important safeguard for local communities and Labor took those rights away.
“What’s to say the same mistakes haven’t happened again?”
Mr O’Brien said residents deserved to have their concerns properly heard and independently considered.
“This is not about opposing renewable energy.
“This is about ensuring developments are appropriately located and that rural communities are treated fairly and respectfully throughout the planning process.”
Mr O’Brien said The Nationals in government would restore appeal rights for landholders and communities affected by major renewable energy developments.
“We have committed to restoring the right to appeal these decisions and reintroducing the two-kilometre buffer between wind turbines and homes to better protect landholders in Gippsland.
“Regional Victorians should not be treated as collateral damage in Labor’s rush to meet its renewable energy targets.
“Only The Nationals in government will give Victoria the fresh start it needs to repair the damage done in regional communities like Gippsland.”