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New planning powers by Allan Labor government sideline opinions of Gippslanders near renewable energy projects
New planning powers by the Labor government sideline opinions of Gippslanders near renewable energy projects. Changes expedite approval process, removing planning panels and appeals, alarming locals who stress consultation importance.
Gippslanders neighbouring renewable energy projects will have their views sidelined under new planning powers announced by the Allan Labor government. Under changes announced today, any renewable energy project, no matter how small, will be declared a "significant economic development" and able to gain planning approval in as little as four months under the government's Development Facilitation Program (DFP).
Danny O'Brien's concern on removing the planning panel process silences rural voices on wind or solar projects, especially with towering turbines near homes
Regional voices silenced
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien said the changes represent a desperate attempt to silence regional voices and get the Allan Labor government's failing energy program back on track. "The changes announced include removing the planning panel process as well as third-party appeals at VCAT."
"It was only by a community group taking the proposed Alberton wind farm to VCAT that significant failures by the proponent and the government were revealed. That avenue is now being removed and consultation trashed. I am very concerned that this process is deliberately designed to silence regional voices when it comes to controversial wind or solar projects in rural areas."
"We are talking about projects that could see the construction of 250-metre-tall turbines within two kilometres of your home. Communities impacted by these projects should not be given less say in them. It is astounding to me that the Premier is actively promoting these changes and touting the reduction of third-party input as a positive. What happened to consulting regional communities? What happened to ensuring social licence for the energy transition?" Mr O'Brien said.
Renewable energy consultation
Mr O'Brien said he is not opposed to renewable energy projects but that they need to be properly planned and implemented in consultation with local communities. "Labor has formed on this. Since coming to government in 2014 it has removed local councils planning powers for renewable energy, halved the buffer zone between wind turbines."
"And homes while also banning wind farms from Melbourne and city playgrounds like the Yarra Valley, Bellarine Peninsula and Bass Coast. Once again, this is a decision of a city-centric government to suit its own political agenda while silencing the voice of regional communities," he said.
Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Instagram page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
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