Victoria's push to fast-track renewable energy projects is a defining feature of its current energy policy landscape, with the Allan government championing accelerated approval pathways for a slate of wind, solar, and battery storage initiatives. This program, managed through the Development Facilitation Program (DFP), has seen more than a dozen large-scale renewable projects cleared for development, representing significant investment and a stated commitment to lowering power prices and increasing energy independence.
The accelerated pathway has been implemented to circumvent delays, particularly those experienced at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), where a substantial portion of renewable project applications reportedly faced lengthy — and often ultimately unsuccessful — appeals. Officials argue that this streamlined process is crucial for the state's renewable energy build-out, which had reportedly slowed.
The Victorian government has approved over $9 billion in renewable energy projects through its fast-tracking scheme in the past two years. This initiative has greenlit a range of projects including solar farms, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and wind farms, collectively promising to power hundreds of thousands of homes and create numerous jobs during construction and operation. Projects like the 300 MW Cooba solar and battery facility near Colbinabbin and the 300 MW BESS at Hazelwood are among those approved, with specific capacities cited to power tens of thousands of households and meet peak demand.
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Local Opposition and Fire Risk Fears Emerge
Despite government assurances and the stated benefits of these projects, the fast-track approach has not been without its critics. Several local councils and community groups have voiced strong opposition, citing concerns ranging from insufficient information provided by developers on crucial aspects like bushfire risk management and economic benefits, to broader issues of land use and community consultation. The Venn Energy's Cooba solar and battery project, for instance, faced direct opposition from the Campaspe Shire Council. Similarly, at Little River, locals have raised alarms about the proposed BESS location, focusing on potential fire risks.
The state’s energy infrastructure planning agency, VicGrid, has also taken steps such as pausing consultation on renewable energy zones in fire-affected communities, indicating an awareness of the environmental sensitivities and risks involved.
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Background: A Shift in Planning Philosophy
The accelerated pathway for renewable energy projects in Victoria appears to be a response to perceived bureaucratic impediments and a desire to invigorate the state's transition to cleaner energy sources. The government's stance is that by treating new renewable projects as significant economic developments, they become eligible for an accelerated pathway, aiming to bypass lengthy review processes. This approach is framed as a necessary measure to unlock investment and ensure a steady supply of cheaper, cleaner energy. The creation of renewable energy zones is also part of this strategy, intended to designate hubs for future development, though consultations in some fire-affected areas have been paused.
