Agriculture
29 March, 2024
Approval fast track follows ‘sham talks’
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation says the State Government’s fast-tracking of renewable energy projects by accelerating planning approvals is a slap in the face after years of sham consultation with farming communities. President Emma Germano said the...
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation says the State Government’s fast-tracking of renewable energy projects by accelerating planning approvals is a slap in the face after years of sham consultation with farming communities.
President Emma Germano said the green-lighting of major renewable projects added to a poor-track record of consulting landholders set to be impacted and risks further alienating already frustrated farmers across Victoria.
The Government and Transmission Company Victoria continue to be criticised over consultation around the VNI West project that will run between Stawell and Kerang and through northern parts of the Loddon Shire. Ms Germano’s attack comes as TCV has announced a series of three drop-in sessions next month at Kerang, Charlton and Stawell.
“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,” Ms Germano 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 fibre 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.”
“We’ve already seen farmers take to the streets of Melbourne in pure desperation as a last resort to have their voices heard. Decisions like this one leave us shaking our heads.”