Dirty on process for ‘clean energy’

An extremely alarming development has occurred in the attempts by the Victorian government to prop up the so-called ‘clean energy’ sector.

A planning scheme amendment (VC261) has been introduced that now gives the Victorian Minister for Planning the opportunity to call-in ‘clean-energy’ projects, with very little valid public consultation.

Unreliable off-stream energy proposals that have the potential to undermine the economics of base-load power have been given undue assistance by VC261.

Under VC261 there is little requirement for a rigorous assessment process, using the best available science and with full community-confidence and integrity, assessing the environmental impacts of a proposal.

There is little requirement, in line with established best practice, for public participation in environmental decision making - at every stage of the process.

The option of assessment by public inquiry would be removed by a ministerial call-in; and it should remain, because it is suitable for particularly controversial or complex projects.

The powers in Amendment VC261 create an alternative back-door approval pathway, which could be subject to inappropriate political influence and corruption.

Worryingly, once a decision is called-in by the Minister, there may no longer be requirements for the proposal not to have unacceptable impacts.

Locally, fortunately the Gelliondale Wind Farm proposal requires federal government approval, and is at a ‘Guidelines Issued for a Public Environment Report’ phase, with the opportunity for public comment.

This is an absolute contradiction to the Victorian government process now in place.

Maurice Schinkel, Cowes