The Victorian government has fast-tracked the approval of the contentious 332-megawatt solar farm and battery at Meadow Creek.

Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny formally greenlit the project on Friday via the government’s Development Facilitation Program (DFP), which removed the right of third-party appeals to fast-track large-scale renewable energy projects across the state.

“Our fast-tracked pathway has unlocked nearly $8 billion worth of investment into renewable energy projects – helping provide cheaper and cleaner energy to hundreds of thousands of Victorian households,” Ms Kilkenny said.

Meadow Creek’s 556ha solar farm near Wangaratta would be able to power around 140,000 homes, while the 250-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will have the capacity to meet peak evening demand for approximately 85,000 homes.

A state government spokesperson said more than 400 hundred jobs will be created during construction and an additional 60 roles once operations commence.

”Proponents were required to undertake consultation with the community and relevant government agencies including the Country Fire Authority, Agriculture Victoria, DEECA and local water authorities,” they said.

The project has undergone intense scrutiny from the local community who have objected, together with the Rural City of Wangaratta council, to its approval on prime agricultural land.

Hundreds of objections were lodged on the basis of multiple factors including a failure in community consultation, water contamination risks and fire risks.

The state government’s DFP was implemented in March last year and placed decision-making powers in the hands of the minister to meet the government’s target of having 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.

A state government spokesperson said since the DFP came into effect, it has approved more than $7.8 billion worth of investment across 22 projects.

Wangaratta-based Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy said the approval of the Meadow Creek Solar Farm sold out regional Victoria and trampled local communities.

“This whole process stinks of arrogance and political interference,” he said.

“This dirty solar deal is a betrayal of trust, a betrayal of the environment, and a betrayal of the people of Meadow Creek.”