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Tom McIntosh praises Labor government support for Fulham Solar Farm and battery in Gippsland, creating jobs and lowering energy costs

The Fulham Solar Farm and battery in Gippsland, backed by the Labor government, will generate renewable energy, create jobs, support local supply chains, and help lower energy costs for Victorians.

By news@gippsland - 9th April 2025 - Back to News

The Allan Labor government is helping to build a cheaper energy future for Victorians with more renewable energy coming online while also creating more jobs and opportunities for local supply chains. Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio announced the start of construction on the Fulham Solar Farm and battery in Gippsland, which will create local jobs and generate enough electricity to power 40,000 homes.

Tom McIntosh supports the Allan Labor government's VRET2-backed Fulham Solar Farm boosts renewables, cuts energy bills, creates jobs, and supports local supply chains

Powering Gippsland growth

The Fulham Solar Farm is supported by the second Victorian Renewable Energy Target auction (VRET2) - a scheme that was set up to help deliver more renewable energy into the grid and save Victorian families money on their energy bills.

The 80 megawatt (MW) solar farm will be coupled with a 64 MW/128 MWh battery - which will soak up the renewable energy from the sun while it is cheap and dispatch it back into the grid during peak demand.

Octopus Investments is driving the construction and operation of the project, investing more than $300 million towards the large-scale energy facility which will support 156 jobs during construction.

Boosting local benefits

The project will also use 67 percent of local services, goods and materials during construction and 97 percent once operational - this is part of the content requirement across all VRET2 projects to support local supply chains.

They will also invest a further $3 million towards engagement and benefit sharing with the local community for the 35 year operational life of the project - this will make sure that regional towns get additional benefits for hosting renewable energy projects. The Labor government's record investments in renewable energy means Victoria has the lowest wholesale power prices in the country - bringing online even more renewable energy will ensure prices stay low into the future.

Once complete, the VRET projects will have supported more than 1,720 direct jobs and attracted $2.48 billion of investment in new renewable energy projects. The SEC will power government schools, hospitals, police stations, libraries and other government operations with cheap renewable electricity from these projects.

Powering Gippsland's future

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D'Ambrosio said, "The Fulham Solar Farm will deliver more great jobs in Gippsland and cheaper energy bills for all Victorians. This project is a fantastic example of how we're working with industry to provide opportunities for local supply chains and local communities to benefit from our renewable energy future."

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said, "This project will generate new jobs and opportunities for local supply chains, boosting investment in the local economy."

Pictures from Tom McIntosh MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
  Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Martin Cameron slams fresh Bank Street traffic light delays as environmental studies push project back again
  The Nationals have criticised the Victorian government after environmental studies and cultural heritage approvals were blamed for fresh delays to long-promised traffic lights at Traralgon Bank Street intersection, despite years of funding.