Lead objectors of the recently approved Meadow Creek Solar Farm have shared their devastation and have vowed to push back “at every stage possible”.

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the 332-megawatt solar farm and 250-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) late on Friday evening, going against strong opposition to the project from nearby landholders and local government.

Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) released a statement following the approval of the development which reflected the local community devastation to not having their concerns heard.

“Ms Kilkenny, who could not even visit the site herself, has ignored our federal and state members, as well as local government with her decision to approve the project,” it read.

“This project is not in a renewable zone and our community will continue to fight this project and attempt to stop it being built for the benefit of future generations.

“Our community has been slapped in the face, but we will not roll over and accept defeat, we will push back at every stage possible.”

Due to the approval being done through the government’s Development Facilitation Program, third-party appeals through VCAT are not allowed.

“This is a complete failure of democracy and an act of a desperate government that has lost touch with regional Victoria,” the MCACAG statement read.

MCACAG member Jess Conroy said while the disallowed right to appeal had the group backed into a corner, it would look to work with council and relevant governing bodies to ensure the 72 conditions of the approved permit would be executed correctly prior to development commencing.

Ms Conroy said the group also had the option of taking the state government to Supreme Court, which would come at “huge” financial cost.

More than 500 objections were received on the development on the basis of increased fire risk, water contamination, flooding concerns, inability to insure neighbouring properties and the loss of agricultural land.

The project was referred to the Commonwealth government under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) due to environmental concerns of increased risk to endangered species.

The EPBC Act has yet to be approved by the federal government, who will receive a recommendation from the state government on the back of their approval.

Under the bilateral agreement between the governments, the state government Minister for Planning may determine the planning application prior to the Commonwealth’s decision on the controlled action.

Development director of Meadow Creek Solar Farm Cameron Munro said the proponents respected the diverse views shared throughout the planning process and thanked those who participated in good faith.

“Meadow Creek Solar Farm is a vital project that will supply clean, stable renewable energy to over 100,000 Victorian homes,” he said.

“We’re also committed to delivering direct benefits to the nearest community, including reinvesting a portion of the project’s returns locally.”

Meadow Creek Solar Farm will now develop detailed management and construction plans, providing ongoing updates to the community.