General News
4 June, 2026
New energy in the zone
LEAGHUR State Park and Lake Meran have been removed from the final map for Victoria’s north-west renewable energy zone. VicGrid last Friday announced final zones where renewable energy projects can be rolled out.
LEAGHUR State Park and Lake Meran have been removed from the final map for Victoria’s north-west renewable energy zone.
VicGrid last Friday announced final zones where renewable energy projects can be rolled out.
Parts of the Loddon Shire will be in the north west zone where the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line will run.
Wind and solar farms have also been proposed in the Boort, Pyramid Hill and Macorna districts by developers.
The zone has seen a small expansion south-west along the VNI West corridor that VicGrid says will provide more options for future energy generation projects to connect to VNI West.
“If you live in or near a renewable energy zone, over time you will see more development of renewable energy generation and storage such as wind farms, solar farms and batteries,” VicGrid said. “It is important to note that only a small proportion of land within the zone will be used for these projects.
“VicGrid will work with developers to coordinate new development and associated transmission to minimise impacts on landscapes and the environment.”
The State Government authority says the zones will “unlock new economic benefits for regional communities”.
The zone boundary release comes as VicGrid faces continued opposition over VNI West and the Nationals have announced they will ditch the project that has stirred anger in communities between Stawell and Kerang.
Dozens of farmers are still denying VicGrid access to properties to conduct the environment effects statement.
But VicGrid last week said the VNI West assessments were progressing “with a period of public exhibition fast approaching”.
“As these studies near completion, the findings will provide the community with greater visibility over what has been investigated, what potential impacts have been identified, how mitigation measures are designed to address them and opportunities to share more detailed feedback during the public exhibition and submissions process.”
The North West Renewable Energy Zone includes parts of the Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Loddon and Buloke council areas.
It is within the Registered Aboriginal Party boundaries of Wamba Wemba Aboriginal Corporation, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and across areas of Country to the east that do not have a formally recognised Traditional Owner group.
“When identifying this zone, we aimed to carefully balance community concerns about the potential impacts of unco-ordinated widespread development with developer interest and the pressing need to position renewable energy zones with access to strong wind and solar energy and near existing transmission lines,” VicGrid said.
Read More: Loddon Shire