VicGrid hosted community consultation sessions about northern Victorian Renewable Energy Zones at Rochester Town Hall on Wednesday, August 14, and Thursday, August 15.
VicGrid is the Victorian Government agency responsible for developing infrastructure that will transport renewable energy to the electricity grid.
It hosted the sessions to gather community feedback on the draft Victorian Transmission Plan guidelines and study area.
The Victorian Transmission Plan guidelines explain how VicGrid will inform renewable energy needs, timelines and locations, transmission projects and community and industry decision-making partnerships.
There is also an initial study area which identifies the parts of Victoria to be investigated for renewable energy generations.
The study area will be narrowed to smaller investigation and eventually to proposed renewable energy zones.
Chief executive Alistair Parker believes community input will play a crucial role in developing the Victorian Transmission Plan, particularly in the early stages.
“We are changing the way energy infrastructure is delivered in Victoria and early and meaningful engagement is at the heart of our approach,” Mr Parker said
“We need the input of regional communities, farmers, landholders and First Peoples so we can get this right for all Victorians, reduce impacts and deliver real benefits.”
The Victorian Transmission Plan guidelines and study area can be found on the Engage Victoria website, along with a feedback forum.
Consultation on the guidelines is open until Sunday, August 25, while feedback for the study area is open until Monday, September 30.
Community webinar recordings can also be accessed online at https://engage.vic.gov.au/victransmissionplan
The draft Victorian Transmission Plan will be published in early 2025 with further consultation before the final plan is published by July 2025.