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Help shape future of renewable energy in Gippsland at VicGrid session in Port of Sale on 23 May 2024

Wellington Shire Council urges locals to join VicGrid's session on May 23 at Port of Sale. It focuses on shaping the Victorian Transmission Plan, emphasising community benefits and renewable energy's role in Gippsland's future.

By news@gippsland - 17th May 2024 - Back to News

Wellington Shire Council is encouraging the local community to participate in an upcoming drop-in session and community workshop hosted by VicGrid on Thursday 23 May at the Port of Sale. The engagement sessions offer an opportunity for Wellington residents to have their say and influence the Victorian Transmission Plan - a comprehensive 15-year plan aimed at enhancing the state's electricity infrastructure to support Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).

Join the council in May and June 2024 at a community workshop near you to learn about VicGrid's approach to community benefits. Let them know the benefits you'd like to see for regions which may host new renewable energy infrastructure

Community benefits plan

Central to the Victorian Transmission Plan is VicGrid's commitment to engage early with landholders, local communities, and First Peoples to reduce negative impacts while ensuring benefits for regional growth.

Key topics of discussion will include the draft Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Community Benefits Plan, which plays an important role in ensuring that communities hosting new infrastructure receive both direct and indirect benefits. These benefits include support for landholders, increased investment, job creation, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Shape renewable future

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Ian Bye emphasised the importance of local involvement in shaping Gippsland's renewable energy future. "Offshore wind is pivotal to our transition to new energy sources, with the potential to supply energy to millions of homes and drive economic growth through new jobs, manufacturing, and investments in the region."

"It is essential for us to grasp VicGrid's strategies for assisting the Wellington community, guaranteeing the necessary infrastructure is in place, and ensuring that communities aren't overlooked." Cr Bye said.

Renewable energy discussions

Participants will also have the chance to review findings from the Renewable Energy Planning Survey and engage actively in ongoing discussions with the Victorian government. VicGrid's drop in session (3pm to 5pm) and community workshop (6pm - 7.30pm) will be held on Thursday 23 May 2024 at the Port of Sale (Wellington Centre), 70 Foster Street in Sale.

Further information about the drop in session and community workshop, including workshop registration can be found at Engage Victoria - Transmission Plan website. VicGrid is a division within the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DECCA). Its responsibility is to coordinate the overarching planning and development of Victoria's Renewable Energy Zones (REZs).

Pictures from Engage Victoria website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com