The State Opposition have called on the Baillieu Government to give residents, Shire Councils and the wind energy industry a chance to voice their views on the new wind farm policy.
The Opposition have called on the Baillieu Government to require the Victorian Legislative Council Standing Committee on the Environment and Planning References Committee to inquire into and report on the impact of Victoria Planning provisions amendment VC78.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney spoke in Parliament last week urging the Government to consult with all stakeholders on the new wind farm policy.
“At present, we have multi-million dollar projects up in the air, wind energy companies threatening to take business out of Victoria, employees unsure of their future and local councils wondering how they will deal with increased planning burdens,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Baillieu Government did not consult with anyone when forming this policy, which has left an enormous amount of uncertainty in Western Victoria.
“It is only proper that issues as important as this are properly scrutinised and all stakeholders are given the opportunity to have their say.
“However, the Baillieu Government voted on block in the Upper House, led by the Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy to stop an Upper House inquiry that would have given western Victorian stakeholders a chance to have their say,” Ms Tierney said.
Western Victoria, in-particular the south west, has the vast majority of wind farms in the state which generates hundreds of jobs and economic benefits for the people of Western Victoria.
Several wind farms are currently being constructed, and there are a significant number of wind farms in the planning process.
Ms Tierney said the stakes were high and that families, businesses and local councils cannot afford to have this level of uncertainty.
“Keppel Prince, which employs hundreds of south west workers is threatening to move operations interstate if work dries up in Victoria.