Tuesday, 28 October 2025

 Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (13:03): Constituents in my electorate are disgusted that the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, which was released by the government in August, has had no community consultation or consideration of the impact on the local community. The final plan has added a completely new renewable energy zone east of Shepparton, which was not originally included in the draft plan back in May this year. With outcry from the community in another location, they simply moved it elsewhere. What we now have is the government pushing ahead with creating a new renewable energy zone without any notice, denying locals an opportunity to give their feedback and to have their voices heard. This is prime agricultural farmland and home to the most productive, high-yielding cropping country in the state, and protecting the land must remain a priority.

The government’s decision to completely bypass the local community and impose a renewable energy zone on the land, without warning and without consultation, is just wrong. This decision has caused significant uncertainty and anxiety amongst local community. We support renewable energy and the infrastructure needed to deliver it but not without correct processes, protections and consultation with those who will be significantly impacted. The government has also taken away landholders’ rights to appeal through VCAT to challenge inappropriate renewable energy transmission developments. We will repeal the legislation and restore landholder rights if we get into government in 2026. This side of the house look after our farmers and do not ignore their rights.