Applications made for new wind farms under Victoria’s Andrews Labor Government will now be simpler due to planning changes that will streamline project approvals.
Announced last week, the changes will see applications for wind farms and supporting infrastructure be assessed together, rather that multiple applications needing to be made to State and local governments.
“We have cut red tape to boost investment in clean energy, which will create more jobs for Victorians and grow our economy,” said Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne.
“The Andrews Labor Government is sending a strong message to renewable energy investors that Victoria is the place to do business.”
The Clean Energy Council welcomed the announcement.
“The changes announced by Planning Minister Richard Wynne today will save time and money for the government, and for the companies building wind farms. This will ultimately translate to lower power prices for consumers,” said the CEC’s policy director, Russell Marsh, who also stated the changes will reduce the burden on regional councils that may not have the resources to manage a wind farm.
“It is great to see Victoria open for clean energy business,” commented Mr. Marsh.
19 wind farms with a combined capacity of 2,489 megawatt have planning approval in Victoria but are yet to be commissioned. If all these projects are developed, it will represent an investment of close to $5 billion and support as many as 2,638 jobs throughout regional Victoria.
The Victorian Government also had words for Prime Minister Abbott after the PM yet again attacked the renewable energy industry last week.
“Tony Abbott’s comments are yet another example for why he needs to get out of the way, change the law and let Victoria have its own renewable energy target, to support our jobs and industry,” said Victoria’s Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio.
“When Tony Abbott attacks the renewable energy industry, he’s attacking Victorian jobs.”
Last month, the Andrews Labor Government called on the Federal Government to remove legislation preventing State Governments from having their own Renewable Energy Target (RET) type schemes.
Mr. Wynne said a lack of leadership from the Prime Minister and the previous Victorian Coalition Government caused the state’s wind power industry to collapse and resulted in the stifling of job creation in regional areas.
