Planning decisions shape the future of our towns, farms and communities for generations. Once productive farmland is covered by industrial development, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to restore it to its previous agricultural value.

Fair Go for North East Country supports renewable energy where it is properly planned and appropriately located. Solar panels belong on rooftops, factories, commercial buildings and suitable sites. However, large-scale industrial solar developments should not automatically replace some of Victoria’s most productive agricultural land.

Who Makes These Decisions?

Victoria’s planning system has changed significantly over recent years. For renewable energy facilities with a generating capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) or greater, the Victorian Minister for Planning is generally the responsible authority for assessing and deciding planning permit applications, rather than the local council.

While councils can provide submissions and represent local concerns, they are no longer the final decision-maker for these projects. This means communities can feel that major decisions affecting their local area are being made further away from the people who know the land best.

Local Knowledge Matters

Farmers, neighbours, local businesses and councils understand their communities in ways that cannot always be captured in technical reports.

  • Which paddocks produce the highest yields.
  • Where flooding regularly occurs.
  • How local roads operate during harvest.
  • How rural businesses support local employment.
  • How developments may affect neighbouring farms.

Protecting Productive Farmland

North East Victoria is recognised for producing high-quality food, wine and agricultural products that support local jobs and regional economies.

Every hectare of productive farmland lost to permanent industrial development reduces future opportunities for farming, food production and regional growth.

We believe the best planning outcomes protect land that has long-term agricultural value while identifying more suitable locations for large-scale infrastructure.

A Better Way Forward

Fair Go for North East Country supports practical planning that:

  • Protects high-quality agricultural land.
  • Gives local communities a genuine voice.
  • Carefully considers cumulative impacts across a region.
  • Balances food production with renewable energy goals.
  • Ensures planning decisions are transparent and evidence-based.
  • Places large-scale industrial developments where they have the least impact on productive farmland and rural communities.

Our Position

Good planning should never be about choosing between farming and renewable energy.

It should be about choosing the right project, in the right location, through the right process.

North East Country deserves planning decisions that respect local knowledge, protect productive farmland and deliver lasting benefits for future generations, not just the next planning approval.

References:

  • Victorian Government, Planning for Renewable Energy Facilities, Planning Practice Note 89.
  • Victorian Planning Provisions, Clause 53.13 – Renewable Energy Facility.