Benalla Rural City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring local voices are heard in decisions about large-scale renewable energy projects, following a recent Finance and Planning Committee Meeting held at the Benalla Town Hall on Wednesday 22 July.
At the meeting, a petition signed by 156 community members raising concerns about the proposed Nioka Solar Project, including its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) was tabled. Two community representatives spoke to a range of issues, including bushfire risk, environmental impacts, effects on rural amenity and agricultural land, transmission infrastructure, and concerns about the scale and location of the project.
Mayor Cr Bernie Hearn said the need for Council to advocate on behalf of the community is clear and would involve a number of measures.
This includes exploring the formation of a Renewable Energy Zone Coalition with neighbouring councils and establishing regular meetings between Council and representatives from the Glenrowan West and Goorambat community groups to maintain ongoing consultation on solar projects and BESS projects within the municipality.
“Wednesday night’s meeting reinforced Council’s commitment to advocating for greater community input into planning and approval processes around solar projects, ensuring local concerns are clearly communicated to decision-makers,” Cr Hearn said.
“Having received this petition, and after listening to our community, we’re exploring opportunities to work with neighbouring councils by forming a North Central Renewable Energy Zone Coalition to strengthen regional advocacy and push for better policy and regulatory outcomes for rural communities.”
“Importantly, Council will maintain ongoing dialogue with affected communities so their voices continue to be heard.”
This builds on commitments made by Council in June to advocate to relevant planning and approval authorities, seek greater local involvement in the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone, and raise community concerns directly with State Government ministers and local members.
For more information, please contact Council on 03 5760 2600.