General News
26 March, 2024
EDITORIAL: Will government speed efforts to hear voices?
THE Victorian Government’s announcement of faster planning approval processes for renewable energy projects has been wrapped in packaging proclaiming certainty for investors. Sounds good to the voters in Melbourne, perhaps. But what about people...
THE Victorian Government’s announcement of faster planning approval processes for renewable energy projects has been wrapped in packaging proclaiming certainty for investors.
Sounds good to the voters in Melbourne, perhaps. But what about people living in rural Victoria where, to date, these projects are almost exclusively on the drawing boards.
Already, there are some in the country who have expressed anger and dismay that they are not being considered or heard on the controversial VNI West project.
There have been claims that country people are being trampled on, dispensable in the political game that has an agenda set in Melbourne.
The fast-tracking of planning ticks only fuels the cynicism towards VNI West. The project will be rammed through, as critics have said, and it’s just stiff for the country.
The Government said its move ensures objections that have been resolved or dealt with don’t get stuck in VCAT at the end of the process during the final ‘notice of decision’ stage although promising community voices will still be heard. How? That remains to be seen. A bit like the promises of community benefits for having renewable energy transmission lines strung above prime irrigation land in the Loddon Shire - still no details a year on.
Neither the Victorian or Federal Governments have really bothered to engage communities between Stawell and Kerang on VNI West.
If they were serious about hearing community voices, the responsible ministers would hop in the car and pay a visit. Perhaps that should be fast-tracked too!