Thursday, 23 February 2023

Northern Victoria Region renewable energy

Rikkie TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (09:50): While out in the Northern Region engaging with various members of my constituency it has become apparent that a newly founded Australian branch of an international company has initiated community engagement in at least two separate areas of interest. The individuals who have invited me over to their properties have stressed their concerns about the Italian company FERA that specialises in the development and operation of wind farms. They are concerned about their own livelihoods, the natural environment of which they consider themselves custodians and their own families’ potential for negative mental and physical health impacts. These two known areas of interest sit within the local areas of Strathbogie and Campaspe shire councils. After reaching out I can now confirm that at least one of these councils is not even aware of this occurring. It seems that not only this one but all of these so-called green energy companies, without the need for any prior council submissions, have carte blanche to engage the community with the intention of utilising private property for their own gain, supplementing the landowner with paltry remuneration, dividing communities and creating government dissent.