The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has blasted the State Government’s decision to fast track renewable energy projects by ‘accelerating planning approvals’.
The VFF stated the move was a ‘slap in the face’ after years of sham consultation with farming communities.
Premier Jacinta Allan had announced that renewable energy projects will be eligible for an accelerated planning pathway under the Development Facilitation Program (DFP) – treating these projects the same as works like the Big Housing Build.
According to the State Government, since 2015, more than one in five applications have ended up in VCAT with around ‘$90 billion worth of investment value in renewable projects in the pipeline’.
The change will mean all new renewable projects in Victoria will be treated as significant economic development, making them eligible for an accelerated pathway – removing the planning panel process and third-party appeals at VCAT.
It will also mean that from the time a complete application is lodged, decisions can be made within four months.
However, VFF president Emma Germano said the green-lighting of major renewable projects adds to a poor-track record of consulting landholders set to be impacted and risks further alienating already frustrated farmers across Victoria.
“The Victorian Government has decided to steam roll Victorian farmers and regional communities, with little regard to how it impacts their livelihoods and countless generational family farms,” she said.
“We’ve heard that vast parts of Victoria’s farmland will be needed to reach our renewable energy targets. If we can’t get this right now, our ability to produce the food and fiber needed to feed people will be severely inhibited.”
“For the government to say they are genuinely listening to the concerns of these communities and then completely ignore them and fast-track the process smacks of arrogance and them being completely tone-deaf.”
“For years the VFF has been pleading with the government to introduce a fair framework that guides the transition to our renewable energy future. Not only have they failed to do this, they’ve now hit the accelerator and it’s farmers and our regional communities that are set to pay the price.”
Ms Germano added the VFF is not against the transition to a renewable energy future, rather taking aim at the complete failure of the government to plan accordingly and as a result making farmers and regional communities the scape-goat in the process.
The Government claims there will be a dedicated facilitation team that will oversee all renewable energy applications.
