The Victorian government has locked in the state’s six Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), which include three areas across western Victoria and the Central Highlands.
What’s a REZ? A REZ is an area identified by the government to host either solar, wind, hydro or battery storage facilities.
Where are they in West Vic? Three of the finalised REZs are:
The Western Renewable Energy Zone, with one part between Stawell and Donald, the other part between Murra Warra and Hopetoun;
The South West Renewable Energy Zone, between Darlington and Macarthur, and;
The Central Highlands Renewable Energy Zone, between Beaufort, Inverleigh, Cressy and Derrinallum.
A smoother transition: Tony Goodfellow, the policy and engagement manager at RE-Alliance, a non-profit advocating for better renewables in the regions told the Brolga that REZs were “not a silver bullet”.
“They are a chance to move from a contested, project-by-project rollout to a more planned transition that sets clearer expectations for developers and delivers more lasting benefits for regional communities,” he said.
What if you live in a REZ? Goodfellow said individual landowners would still be able to decide whether they wished to host and earn income from a renewable energy project.
“Being in a REZ does not mean every property will host infrastructure, and it does not bypass existing planning or environmental approvals,” he said.
Communities will also still have a say on proposals, while developments will need to go through relevant assessment procedures.