Thursday, 14 August 2025

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:53): (1755) My question is to the Minister for Planning. I note that the Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group has written formally to the minister to request the appointment of an advisory committee under section 151 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 in relation to the planning permit application for the Meadow Creek solar farm project, which includes a battery energy storage system. I also understand that the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner wrote to the minister recently in support of this proposal, noting continued concerns raised within the community about the development and the need for more oversight and accountability in the process. The commissioner is supportive of additional measures that increase transparency and enhance community confidence in the decisions made on this development and supports the need for an independent advisory committee to help address community concerns. I thank the minister for her consideration and on behalf of the local community ask for her support in establishing an independent advisory committee.