Tuesday, 13 August 2024

 Annabelle CLEELAND (Euroa) (19:20): (769) My adjournment tonight is for the Minister for Planning, and the action I seek is for the government to reject the application put forward by Venn Energy for the Cooba solar facility. This proposed renewable energy project has left community members in towns like Colbinabbin feeling frustrated and ignored, as the 665-hectare site will consume much of the region’s prime agricultural land. Locals are not against renewable projects; they simply believe this one should not take up such productive land when there are alternative options available. The local council has shown its support for renewable projects when they align with the region’s best interests. However, in this case Campaspe council shares the community’s concern and strongly believes this project should not proceed.

The 740,000 eight-metre-tall solar panels are set to be constructed in the middle of the Heathcote wine geographical indication on prime agricultural land on the eastern slope of the Mount Camel hill range. This land is vital to the livelihoods of many in the region, and using it for such a large project has locals justifiably worried. Local wine growers are particularly concerned about the impact this massive project could have on the microclimate, which could drastically alter their ability to grow grapes. The community’s frustrations have been voiced through a petition that I am proud to sponsor. The petition tabled today in the Victorian Parliament has gathered nearly 2000 signatures, with support coming from as far as Bendigo. Given that Colbo has a population of less than 300, it is clear that this issue resonates with people across regional communities.

We have seen what can be achieved when the transition to renewables is done right, with communities involved and benefiting from the change. Unfortunately, the towns surrounding this proposed solar facility have been ignored, and Venn Energy has failed to conduct effective community consultation. We cannot allow large corporations to dismiss the concerns of local people and take all the benefits elsewhere, leaving communities worse off. The rapid expansion of renewables across regional Victoria is undeniable, but it is crucial to prioritise listening to impacted communities and ensuring a careful approach.

I urge the minister to consider this adjournment and pay attention to the voices of the Colbo community. We invite the minister to visit the region and meet with the Colbo renewables action group, which represents the local community, including farmers, businesses and tourism operators who are concerned about the proposal. I must emphasise that every person I have spoken with is not opposed to renewable energy, and neither am I. However, there is significant concern about the Venn Energy proposal and the company’s disgraceful lack of community consultation. For the sake of the local region I ask that the planning application for this project be rejected.