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Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communitiesWellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development. By news@gippsland - 11th August 2026 - Back to News A new planning project is underway to help shape how Wellington and South Gippsland respond to opportunities associated with the growing renewable energy sector. Wellington and South Gippsland Shire Councils have taken the next step in preparing communities for future growth, with work now underway on the Renewable Energy Land and Infrastructure Plan (RELIP). 
A new planning project will help Wellington and South Gippsland prepare for renewable energy growth, population increases, infrastructure needs and future economic opportunities Planning renewable futuresThe major planning project is supported through a $4.7 million Commonwealth government investment under the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, and will help Wellington and South Gippsland plan for the future as Australia's renewable energy industry continues to develop. The project is focused on ensuring local communities have the right housing, land, infrastructure, roads, employment, services and planning frameworks in place to manage potential population growth and increased economic activity in the years ahead. RELIP will be delivered alongside a range of energy transition projects across the region. While independent of renewable energy developers and their projects, RELIP will take a coordinated approach to understand the land and infrastructure needed to support future development and when it will be required. Preparing for growthWellington Shire Council Mayor Cindy Madeley said the project would help ensure the region is well prepared and positioned to benefit from future investment. "This project is about planning ahead and making sure our communities are ready for whatever opportunities come our way," Cr Madeley said. "As new industries bring opportunities to our Shire, we want to make sure our communities are well prepared with the housing, infrastructure and services they need. Just as importantly, we want to preserve the character and appeal of our towns, so they remain great places to live, work and visit," Cr Madeley said. Wellington and South Gippsland Shire Councils have now appointed a dedicated project lead who will work alongside technical consultants to undertake the detailed investigations and planning required to deliver the project. The project will examine potential growth areas around Barry Beach and Port Anthony, as well as Sale, Wurruk, West Sale, Yarram, Foster and Leongatha. Areas of focus include: - Housing supply and future residential growth opportunities
- Worker accommodation
- Land for industrial and commercial development
- Roads, drainage and other physical infrastructure
- Community facilities and services
- Development plans and business cases for priority projects
The first phase involves preparing an Issues and Opportunities Paper, which includes community engagement and consultation with residents, businesses, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders. Community shapes futureCr Madeley added community input would play an important role throughout the project, as the project was about shaping a future that delivers benefits for the community. "We want to hear from residents about the opportunities they see, the challenges they want addressed, and what they believe is needed to support sustainable growth. We need to ensure that we are on the front foot with planning and we need the community to be involved along the way" Cr Madeley said. The RELIP project is expected to create a roadmap for future housing, infrastructure and economic development, helping Wellington and South Gippsland to shape positive change rather than reacting to it. South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Nathan Hearsey added, "Being prepared is the key to ensuring that we aren't reacting to change, but that we are leading it. We know the transition to new energy is coming to Gippsland, and we want to see the benefits of that new industry realised locally." "It is more important than ever that we are actively involved in planning to ensure Gippsland will see the best possible outcomes, keeping our region as a great place to live, work and enjoy. There will be opportunities for our community to also contribute throughout this process, and I encourage everyone to provide feedback to help shape our region for the better, Cr Hersey said. Community engagement opportunities will be announced as the project progresses. For more information on the RELIP project, visit Wellington Shire Council website. Pictures from Wellington Shire Council Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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