North East Country has been built on generations of farming. From cattle and sheep to vineyards, orchards, grains and fresh produce, our region plays an important role in supplying food, supporting local jobs and sustaining regional communities.

Productive farmland is a finite resource. Once it is permanently removed from agricultural production, it is extremely difficult to restore. Every planning decision made today will influence the future of farming, food security and regional prosperity for decades to come.

Why Productive Farmland Matters

High-quality agricultural land is more than just open space. It provides the foundation for local businesses, transport industries, food manufacturers, tourism operators and hundreds of farming families who contribute to the economy of North East Victoria.

Protecting productive farmland means protecting:

  • Food production for future generations.
  • Family farms and rural livelihoods.
  • Regional jobs and local businesses.
  • Agricultural exports and investment.
  • The unique landscapes that define our region.

Renewable Energy Has an Important Role

Fair Go for North East Country supports renewable energy and recognises its importance in Australia's future energy mix.

However, renewable energy projects should be carefully planned and located where they minimise impacts on productive farmland, regional communities and the natural environment.

The question is not whether Australia should invest in renewable energy. The question is where these large-scale developments should be located.

Industrial Solar Developments Require Careful Planning

Large-scale solar projects, often covering hundreds or even thousands of hectares, can permanently change how agricultural land is used. These developments may affect farming operations, rural landscapes, local infrastructure and neighbouring properties for many decades.

Major developments should only proceed after transparent planning, thorough environmental assessment and meaningful consultation with the communities most affected.

Every proposal should be considered on its own merits, balancing renewable energy generation with agriculture, biodiversity, water resources and the long-term interests of regional Victoria.

Planning Must Protect Regional Communities

Planning decisions should strengthen regional communities rather than place unnecessary pressure on them. Farmers, residents and local businesses deserve to have their voices heard before significant changes are made to the landscape they live and work in.

Good planning recognises that productive farmland is a strategic asset that supports Australia's food security, regional employment and economic resilience.

Our Position

Fair Go for North East Country is not opposed to renewable energy.

We support renewable energy developments that are:

  • Located in appropriate areas.
  • Designed to minimise impacts on productive farmland.
  • Environmentally responsible.
  • Supported by transparent planning processes.
  • Developed with genuine community consultation.

We believe productive agricultural land should remain available for future generations of farmers. Renewable energy and agriculture can both play important roles in Australia's future—but careful planning is essential to ensure one does not unnecessarily come at the expense of the other.

Fair Go for North East Country is committed to supporting practical planning, protecting productive farmland and ensuring local communities have a meaningful voice in decisions that shape the future of our region.