Acting Planning Minister Lily D’Ambrosio released the final Solar Energy Facilities — Design and Development Guideline yesterday which is expected to help inform a range of decision makers, solar farm developers and communities on planning requirements for large-scale solar farms.
They come as the outcome of three solar farm proposals in Greater Shepparton are still unknown.
Under the guidelines solar farms below 1MW will be approved or declined by local councils with most proposals having to wait for Planning Minister’s approval.
Companies which want to build on irrigated land, will be forced to discuss the proposal with the relevant water body — Goulburn-Murray Water in northern Victoria’s case.
State Member for Shepparton Suzanna Sheed welcomed the release and said water bodies would play a major role in the outcome of future applications.‘‘I, and others in the community, have been calling for their release for some time," she said.
"It gives some certainty as to future arrangements both for the roll-out of solar in our district but also to create some surety around the protection of high-value irrigation land. ‘‘The guidelines provide increased recognition of the need for early discussions with the rural water authority when considering the location of the solar farm within a declared irrigation district and this will no doubt be very persuasive in assisting proponents of a solar development to make a sound decision.’’
The guidelines were shaped by a nine-month development process, including extensive consultation with communities, councils and industry, and a review of best-practice standards interstate and internationally.
‘‘If a proponent plans to locate a solar energy facility in an irrigation district, it should consult early with the relevant rural water corporation, to determine the appropriateness of the location,’’ the guidelines read.
The guidelines also give certainty for councils and developers as to what is required for developments to achieve acceptable outcomes for land, communities and the environment.‘‘With solar technology taking off in Victoria, we need to provide clear advice on how to establish best practice facilities in appropriate locations,’’ Ms D’Ambrosio said.‘‘The guidelines will help to ensure community consultation is part of the process from an early stage, so local residents are engaged, informed and have an opportunity to provide input before the planning permit is lodged.‘‘Along with providing more certainty to the community, the guidelines will reduce the burden on local councils and give the renewable energy industry more confidence to invest.’’
The guidelines will be implemented through a future planning scheme amendment to the Victorian Planning Scheme.More in Country News next week.
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