Overwatch needed on Meadow Creek process

A request for an advisory committee aimed at bringing transparency and order to the planning of a solar energy facility at Meadow Creek has been sent to Victorian Minister for Planning Sonja Kilkenny, with the support by key people. Australian Energy Commissioner Tony Mahar, and Indi MP Helen Haines have backed Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) members who wrote to Minister Kilkenny last week calling for more oversight into the planned development of the 332MW solar facility and 250MW battery. Minister Kilkenny is currently assessing the merits of a planning permit application lodged by proponents to build the renewable energy facility on 576 hectares at Meadow Creek, bordered by Oxley-Meadow Creek Road, Docker-Carboor Road, and Allan’s Lane. Mr Mahar told Minister Kilkenny he believed there "should be more oversight and accountability in the process" and that "community concerns are not being sufficiently recognised or acted upon". He said he had attended a meeting between the Meadow Creek community and proponents of the development in June, which highlighted practical and basic issues such as access to the site during weather events, impact on local or regional water, and fire risks. “I would be very supportive of additional measures that increase the transparency and enhance community confidence in the decisions made on this development and accordingly seek your support for the community's calls for an independent advisory committee to help address the community concerns,” he wrote. “If for some reason the advisory committee is not possible I think it is important for the community to understand why not and what alternative measures could be put in place.” Dr Haines asked Minister Kilkenny to duly consider the MCACAG’s request for an advisory committee. MCACAG wrote to Minister Kilkenny noting that the request arises due to several strategic, policy, and environmental considerations that warrant broader and more integrated assessment than can be adequately addressed through the standard permit process. Topics included current VicGrid policy development; strategic suitability of the battery in special water supply catchments, commonwealth environmental approval; need for policy alignment and consistency; planning scheme integrity and transitional gaps; ministerial intervention and precedent; and public confidence and community engagement.

Overwatch needed on Meadow Creek process

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