Tuesday, 14 November 2023

Dederang battery project

Tim McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (12:54): For the second time this year our communities are being preyed upon by major energy giants. This time Dederang has become the focus of Mint Renewables, who are seeking to create a 100-lithium battery operation in the heart of Victoria’s finest agricultural land. Locals have been notified that a deal has been struck for two properties, which will see other local land become the backwash for this massive energy project. I have invited Mint Renewables to a community gathering to discuss the pros and cons of this battery hub. Surprisingly the stakeholder engagement office says they are not ready for community engagement until January 2024. This surely must be the most clumsy way to consult a community. Option 1 is address the community concern early in the process to alleviate anxiety and concerns. Option 2 is wait until locals are so wound up like a grandfather clock before they get the full details of what lies ahead in this beautiful, picturesque and hidden valley. I hope Mint Renewables makes the right choice. I will be hosting this community forum this coming Thursday night at Dederang reserve, and all are welcome to have their say and hear what others have to say. We cannot continue to have international companies slide into our smaller pristine regional communities and make decisions. With two property owners, it affects a further 500 properties. If there is nothing to hide, I am sure Mint Renewables will be onsite this Thursday to ease local fears.