IN AUGUST 2007, the locals rejoiced when AGL abandoned Merridian’s plans for a controversial wind farm in the Dollar and Foster North hills of South Gippsland, a project that had the potential to compromise uniquely spectacular views over Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory.
Back then it was people power that won the day against a proposal that apparently ticked all of the State Government’s environmental and planning boxes while also proving to be a viable project on the basis of wind speed and wind consistency testing.
The long-running campaign famously attracted 1000 people to a meeting in the Foster hall in September 2004, addressed by UK environmentalist David Bellamy, and had a hand in ending the political career of Labor’s Christian Zahra who was tipped out by Russell Broadbent a month later in the Australian elections of October 2004.
But as glorious as that victory was for a united community, including those objecting over its impact on farming, tourism and business, and those concerned about its proximity to the Corner Inlet RAMSAR site and impact on migratory birds…
It looks as if the community is going to have to fight that epic battle all over again.
As part of the State Government’s future-defining ‘Developing the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan’ an area just north of Foster and Fish Creek has been designated as a Tier 1 site on the Renewable Energy Zone Study Map, as having the highest potential for hosting renewable infrastructure including wind turbines and high-voltage transmission lines.
Tier 1 sites are described as follows: “We will prioritise these areas to investigate for future renewable energy generation and transmission infrastructure, based on the combination of high opportunities and low constraints for wind and solar”.
The dark blue Tier 1 area is surrounded by a large Tier 2 site which stretches from the Toora Wind Farm in the east, to Wonthaggi in the west and north to Pakenham and Moe.
Tier 2 sites are described as follows:
Tier 2: “These areas are suitable for investigation, based on the combination of moderate-high opportunities and low-moderate constraints. Some of these are close to key locations where wind and solar can connect to the network.”
The investigation site in South Gippsland is the only location chosen in eastern Victoria as the most suitable for hosting renewable energy infrastructure.
Gippsland South MLA Danny O'Brien has weighed in to the issue warning the State Government's plans for the closely settled, highly productive hills above Foster and around Korumburra and Leongatha are "not the place for industrial energy facilities."
“This latest brain snap from the Labor Government yet again shows how divisive and out-of-touch the Government is when it comes to energy developments and regional Victoria," Mr O'Brien said.
“The area shown as a top priority for renewable energy facilities and transmission lines in the western half of the South Gippsland Shire is an area of outstanding natural beauty, is highly productive farmland and has a burgeoning tourism sector.
“That the Government thinks the rolling green, productive hills running north from Kongwak through Loch and Korumburra to Strzelecki, as well as a zone near Fish Creek and Foster, are good spots for wind and solar farms just shows how little it cares for country people.
“These are very closely settled locations and highly productive and picturesque farmland and they are not the place for industrial energy facilities.
“At the same time the Government restates its blanket ban on wind farms in city playgrounds like the Yarra Valley, Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, highlighting just how hypocritical this Government is: it seems to think these developments are fine for the country but not the city."
The good news is that the State Government has restated its opposition to renewable energy infrastructure development along the South Gippsland and Bass Coast coastline from Wilsons Promontory to Phillip Island and Western Port.
"The Victorian Planning Provisions include specific prohibitions for permits to develop wind energy facilities in certain circumstances and locations, which include specific designated locations with high landscape or environmental value. These prohibition areas were introduced into the Victorian Planning Provisions in 2012 and are shown in the study area. They include the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas, Macedon and McHarg Ranges, and land within 5km of the Great Ocean Road, Bass Coast and the coast east of Warrnambool. Solar facilities are not subject to the same prohibitions in these locations."
Those wanting to know more or interested in making comment or a submission should visit the Engage Vic website HERE.
Or you might also consider attending a “drop in” information session at the Korumburra Community Hub, Little Commercial Street on Wednesday, August 14 from 4pm-7pm or Thursday, August 15 from 10.30am-12.30pm
The other Gippsland session, likely to focus on the offshore wind transmission line study area from the Ninety Mile Beach to Traralgon, will be held at the Port of Sale centre in Sale on Wednesday, August 7 4pm-7pm and Thursday, August 8 from 10.30am-12.30pm.
