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Renewable Energy Projects

Renewable energy projects in Buloke Shire

The Victorian Government is moving away from coal-fired power and planning for a future energy system built on renewable energy.

Buloke Shire, with its wide-open spaces and strong wind and solar resources, has become a focus area for renewable energy developers exploring new opportunities.

While Council recognises the importance of this transition, we are also hearing strong concerns from our community. Farmers and land owners have told us that the process to date has lacked genuine dialogue and proper consideration of the impacts that large-scale energy projects may have on local businesses, farming operations, and rural lifestyles.

This webpage provides information about Council’s advocacy on behalf of the community. You will find the issues we are raising on behalf of our community and the actions we are taking to ensure their perspectives are represented.

  • Our Position Buloke Shire Council acknowledges the concern across the community regarding the VNI West transmission line project.
  • Our Agenda The proposed VNI West Transmission Line crosses Buloke Shire, and parts of the Shire are included in two Renewable Energy Zones. Project developers propose to build several wind farms in the Shire.
  • Resource Ready Report North-Western Victoria Energy & Mining Impact & Readiness Strategy - Nine Councils in north-western Victoria (Buloke Shire, Gannawarra Shire, Hindmarsh Shire, Horsham Rural City, Loddon Shire, Northern Grampians Shire, Swan Hill Rural City, West Wimmera Shire and Yarriambiack Shire, collectively referred to in this report as the 'study Councils') engaged Urban Enterprise to prepare this Energy and Mining Impact and Readiness Strategy.
  • Notice of Motion At its July Council Meeting, Buloke Shire Council moved a motion for Council to write to relevant Ministers and Departments to seek genuine engagement between Council, the Government and the Buloke Shire community.
  • Our response to final VTP Buloke Shire Council has expressed deep disappointment with the State Government’s handling of a major expansion to Victoria’s Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), which now push significantly into Buloke communities.
  • Our submission to draft VTP In July 2025, Buloke Shire Council made a detailed submission to VicGrid on the draft VTP.
  • Our submission to PiLoR In July 2025, Buloke Shire Council made a detailed submission on the PiLoR discussion paper.
  • Western REZ Council’s joint submission on the Victoria Access Regime The Western REZ councils’ submission to VicGrid highlights significant concerns about the cumulative impacts on their communities, including housing stress, infrastructure strain, and loss of cohesion due to inadequate integrated planning.
  • Other news Latest news and updates on Renewable energy projects in Buloke Shire.
  • State Government Agencies Links to State Government agencies involved in renewable energy planning and projects in Victoria.
  • Our submission to proposed Victorian Access Regime This submission responds to the three consultation papers released by VicGrid on 23 September 2025: 1. Access and Connections Consultation Paper 2. Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines for Renewable Energy and Transmission Projects 3. Draft Grid Impact Assessment Guidelines.