Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Renewable energy infrastructure

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (20:01): (1662) My question for the Minister for Energy and Resources concerns VicGrid’s recent request for feedback on the 2025 Victorian transmission plan. I have previously raised the deep frustration felt by many in my electorate who watched the launch of this new statewide consultation on Victoria’s transmission future, even as major transmission projects affecting them had already been decided without such consultation. Tonight, however, I would like to draw your attention to one specific element of the newest transmission plan document – its claims about land use.

The physical footprint of renewable energy infrastructure seriously concerns regional Victorians. The draft transmission plan outlines the state’s strategy for expanding renewable energy infrastructure over the next 15 years and includes the establishment of seven proposed renewable energy zones. A key figure presented in the plan is that only 0.06 per cent of Victoria’s land area will be required for physical infrastructure such as wind turbines, solar panels and access tracks in these seven proposed renewable energy zones and associated transmission projects. This equates to approximately 136 square kilometres. Is this correct, is it a rounding error or is it a transparent attempt to mislead?

Given the scale and implications of this estimate, I strongly request from VicGrid a detailed explanation of the methodology and calculations underpinning this figure. It cannot be that complex. I am not asking for commercially sensitive information, just factual clarity. We need a breakdown of this 0.06 per cent figure. How can this number include all the physical infrastructure plus access tracks and high voltage transmission lines? If it does not, what is the estimated additional land area required for access and transmission to serve these renewable energy zones? And how does this figure reconcile with the department’s 2022 Offshore Wind: Policy Directions Paper, which stated that meeting net zero using onshore renewables would require up to 70 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural land?

Transparency in these calculations is essential to maintain public trust and ensure proper community engagement. Given VicGrid’s role in coordinating the state’s energy transition, clear communication of critical figures like this is paramount. The action I seek, Minister, is that you intervene to direct VicGrid to respond comprehensively to these questions. For the public to retain confidence, I ask you to ensure VicGrid’s future communications remain clear, accurate and credible.