Wednesday, 12 August 2026

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:31): (1409) My question is for the minister for energy. The residents of Goorambat, Glenrowan, Dookie and all the little towns in between are feeling unheard, steamrolled and flat-out ignored when it comes to the decision surrounding the proposed Central North renewable energy zone. There are properties under threat of being surrounded by solar energy facilities on all four sides, historic regions being destroyed and, most of all, valuable agricultural land being lost to the industrial mess that is this government’s insatiable thirst for so-called renewable energy. Minister, will you meet with the communities under threat from this proposed Central North renewable energy zone and simply listen to their concerns?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:31): I thank Ms Tyrrell for her question in relation to renewable energy zones. As the chamber would be aware, five onshore renewable energy zones were declared via ministerial order in May of this year. The proposed Central North zone that, similar to what you have mentioned, will cover parts of theCampaspe, Greater Shepparton, Benalla and City of Greater Bendigo local government areas has not been formally declared. There will be more opportunities for consultation with community, industry and traditional owners on this Central North REZ.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Order! Ms Lovell! Ms Tyrrell is not interjecting. Ms Tyrrell wants to hear her answer. The minister, without anyone yelling.

Jaclyn SYMES: Together the REZs only cover 8 per cent of the state’s land area, and effectively they are just marking where potential investment can go. It is not an indication that that 8 per cent would be projects. In fact it would be a fraction – about 1 per cent of the total area of Victoria is required for wind, solar, batteries and access roads. The REZs were developed following statewide strategic land use mapping exercises, and there have been multiple rounds of consultation. In relation to the areas that you have indicated, particularly Dookie, those conversations certainly will be ongoing.

 Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:33): My question was: will you as the minister listen to the communities by visiting these communities?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:33): Ms Tyrrell, I am very familiar with the areas that you indicate, having grown up in these areas. I frequent these areas regularly.

 Wendy LOVELL (Northern Victoria) (12:33): I move:

That the minister’s answers be taken into consideration on the next day of meeting.

Motion agreed to.