A COMMUNITY forum will be held this Friday to discuss the plans for a $750 million development of a 330MW solar facility on 566 hectares at Meadow Creek.
Wangaratta-based Nationals MP for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, is hosting the forum at the Bobinawarrah Hall from 11am to give locals of Meadow Creek a chance to share their concerns about the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm.
Shadow Minister for Planning, Environment and Climate Change, James Newbury, will also attend to hear locals’ concerns, firsthand.
The government is currently considering a planning permit application for the proposed Meadow Creek Solar Farm, with its significant battery energy storage system, hoping to generate enough solar power to supply more than 100,000 regional homes.
A 28-day public submission process ends on October 28, and a decision by the minister is not able to be appealed against at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
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“Despite an urgent invitation from my office two weeks ago, the Minister for Planning (Sonya Kilkenny) has not responded to my request to meet with locals,” Mr McCurdy said.
“It is inexplicable that she would sign off on such a large project without once meeting with the community and stakeholders, particularly when there is such local opposition.
“The shadow minister is willing to travel up and meet with locals, so I hope that the minister will be able to make the time to do the same.
“There is still time for the minister to come up and meet with locals and hear the genuine concerns they have with this project.
“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a plan for the regions and renewable energy, including the restoration of third-party appeals to VCAT.
“Labor cannot manage renewable energy, and our regions are paying the price.”
Any member of the public is invited to attend to hear from a selection of speakers, and Mr McCurdy said feedback from the forum will be provided to Minister for Planning.
