Wednesday, 18 June 2025

 Michaela SETTLE (Eureka) presented a petition bearing 155 signatures:

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly our objection to the proposed development of the Mt Doran Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Planning Application PA2403103

The proposed project by developer Iberdrola presents severe bushfire risks, direct non-compliance with state planning regulations, environmental degradation, and substantial threats to public safety and community well-being.

Iberdrola has failed to adequately engage the community about the proposed BESS installation at Mount Doran, providing only one meeting and a letter to a handful of homes, leaving little time to object. Despite starting the process in November 2023, Iberdrola only informed a few nearby households in mid March 2025. Employees at the meeting couldn’t address residents' concerns, and left them with less than 1 month to review 300+ pages of documents before the April 10th, 2025 decision. Our objections include: Failure to comply with Bushfire Planning Policy; Violation of environmental protection obligations; Non-compliance with Farming Zone planning controls

Public safety and emergency service failures; Inconsistency with public interest and community amenity.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly strongly urges the Government to reject this application. The project must be relocated to a site with lower fire risks and minimal environmental impact. It is critical that responsible, sustainable alternatives are considered to protect the community, wildlife, and broader environmental interests. The proposed development raises significant legal, environmental, and safety concerns that violate established planning regulations. This project does not comply with the Moorabool Planning Scheme and contradicts key Victorian planning objectives, posing a clear risk to the local community and environment. The proposed site’s high fire risk, along with potential adverse impacts on public safety and the surrounding ecosystem, makes it an inappropriate location for such a development.