State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has called on the Victorian Government to not leave regional residents behind when it comes to renewable energy projects.
Ms Cleeland said with parts of the Euroa electorate to become hubs for renewable energy projects, it was important that local people were part of the transition.
“We know what can be achieved when we get the transition to renewables right, where communities are involved and benefit from the change,” she said.
“The rapid expansion of renewables across regional Victoria is undeniable.
“But it’s crucial we prioritise listening to the impacted communities and ensuring a careful approach.”
Ms Cleeland recently met with community groups set to be impacted by renewable energy projects and discussed their concerns.
She said failure to consider regional Victorian’s concerns and needs would jeopardise achieving both emissions reduction and renewable energy targets.
“These are groups of people who are concerned about what these massive developments will mean for their community,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our community is simply asking who benefits from renewables infrastructure, and are our host communities being brought along in the process?”
Ms Cleeland voiced support for a recent protest by farmers, landowners and regional residents who were concerned about the construction of massive transmission lines across their properties.
The ‘stop the towers’ protest at Victorian Parliament was a response to proposed development plans by VNI West and Western Renewables Link projects, which would impact vast areas of the state’s north-west.
“The ‘stop the towers’ protest was an incredible example of community advocacy and I applaud them for their determination,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Communities need to be involved in these major projects to ensure they benefit from the change, rather than becoming divided by secrecy and poor planning.”
The state government has been contacted for comment.