State Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell last night led a debate in parliament on a petition tabled on August 11, bearing 11,760 signatures of Victorians calling on the government to remove the eastern section of the Central North Renewable Energy Zone from the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan.
During the debate it was announced that the energy minister had confirmed that the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone would not proceed.
And the minister later confirmed this applied to the whole zone, with both eastern and western sections being abandoned.
The draft Central North Renewable Energy Zone was originally a large area between Bendigo and Shepparton, but VicGrid responded to feedback by making the zone smaller.
However, to compensate for the area lost in the western section, the energy minister approved an entirely new eastern section of the zone for inclusion in the final Victorian Transmission Plan, running from Pine Lodge near Shepparton to Glenrowan.
A group of residents from Dookie and surrounding areas refused to take the decision lying down, demanding accountability from VicGrid and driving a campaign to gather thousands of signatures on a petition and bring the issue to parliament.
Ms Lovell acknowledged the diligent effort of the campaigners, recognised their deep love for the land and the place they call home, and congratulated them on a successful campaign to reverse the decision.
“I congratulate the people within the Central North Renewable Energy Zone who stood up for what is right,” she said.
“This is a real win for people power.
“I am delighted to have been able to assist these communities by being their voice in parliament and a conduit to government.
“This win is a magnificent way to conclude my parliamentary career.”
