Our Agenda

Buloke Shire Council - Energy Transition Agenda

The Buloke Shire is on the path of the proposed VNI West Transmission Line, and the Victorian Transmission Plan proposes the Shire as the site for part of two Renewable Energy Zones. Project developers propose to build several wind farms in the Shire.

The Council does not support the VNI West in its current form and acknowledges the strong opposition to energy projects in the Shire.

Buloke Shire Council has adopted the following agenda in relation to the energy transition.

VicGrid

• Buloke Shire Council expects genuine, ongoing engagement from VicGrid that reflects the needs, values and concerns of the local community.
• VicGrid must act as an advocate for Buloke to the state in decision-making processes.
• VicGrid should compensate Buloke financially to enable its renewable energy coordination efforts.

Victorian State Government

• Buloke Shire Council expects direct financial investment in the Shire from the State to address strategic local issues that will be impacted by energy projects, including but not limited to housing supply, local road maintenance and upgrades, and connectivity.

VNI West

• Buloke Shire Council seeks fair and transparent neighbour payments to acknowledge the impacts on residents near transmission lines.
• Buloke Shire Council seeks clear, publicly available timelines and step-by-step information on project development, environmental assessment, consultation and construction phases.
• Buloke Shire Council expects Transmission Company Victoria and VicGrid to conduct a diligent Environment Effects Statement process and genuine engagement with Council in its development.
• Buloke Council expects full transparency and proactive engagement regarding land access strategies, including how landowners and occupiers will be approached and consulted.
• There must be detailed, accessible information provided about easement conditions, payment structures and long-term land use implications so affected landholders can make informed decisions.

Renewable Energy Project Developers

• Renewable energy project developers must pay full rates, in line with what other industries contribute, rather than reduced or PILOR rates. The payment of proper rates for battery energy storage systems and other energy facilities is the key mechanism whereby these projects can provide local benefits by contributing to the costs of providing council services to citizens and businesses.
• Developers must implement neighbour payment schemes to fairly compensate residents impacted by nearby infrastructure and operations.
• Exclusion zones that prevent neighbours from building or developing on their own land must be avoided unless accompanied by adequate compensation.
• Community benefit schemes must be designed in partnership with Council, aligned to strategic community needs and priorities, and empower Council with decision-making input on the use and governance of funds.
• Buloke Shire Council seeks firm assurances around decommissioning, including financial bonds or guarantees to ensure energy infrastructure is removed at end of life and sites are safely restored and not left as legacy issues for the community.