Premier John Brumby announced on Sunday that the Victorian Government would fast track applications for new solar farms in regional Victoria.
The announcement came after Mr Brumby laid out goals last week to increase solar power sourced electricity from large scale installations to five per cent of Victoria’s electricity needs by 2020. An interim target of 500GWh of solar power by 2014 was also set – enough to power more than 90,000 homes.
"In order to achieve our target as early as possible, the Government will fast track the approval processes and make land available at strategic locations across the state to assist with development," Mr. Brumby said.
Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan has been set the task of assessing government and municipal owned land that could be suitable for solar farm developments.
"Making this land available will speed up developments and bring on more solar power faster."
Mr Brumby also announced on Sunday that government land near Mildura would be made available for a new solar facility, subject to developer interest and community support.
The 5 per cent target for solar power would generate substantial economic opportunities in regional Victoria, creating between $1.5 and $2 billion in new solar investment. The new solar target including the measures to fast track approvals for new developments form part of the Victorian Government’s Climate Change White Paper.
