Australia's transition to renewable energy is one of the most significant infrastructure challenges of our generation. Fair Go for North East Country supports this transition. However, we believe the success of renewable energy will ultimately depend on where projects are built, how they are planned and whether local communities are genuine partners in the process.

Renewable energy and productive agriculture should not be viewed as competing priorities. With practical planning, careful site selection and meaningful community consultation, Australia can achieve both.

Supporting Renewable Energy

Renewable energy plays an important role in reducing emissions, improving energy security and supporting Australia's future economy. Solar, wind and battery storage will all contribute to meeting future electricity demand.

The question is not whether renewable energy should be developed. The question is how it can be developed in a way that protects productive farmland, respects local communities and delivers lasting public benefit.

The Right Project, in the Right Place

Every landscape is different. Some locations are better suited to large-scale renewable energy infrastructure than others.

Where practical, priority should be given to locations such as:

  • Industrial land.
  • Former mine and quarry sites.
  • Manufacturing precincts.
  • Commercial rooftops.
  • Large warehouse developments.
  • Previously disturbed land.
  • Appropriate transport and infrastructure corridors.

Every proposal should be assessed on its own merits using transparent planning processes and sound evidence.

Communities Must Be Partners

Successful projects are built with communities, not simply within them.

People deserve to understand how proposals may affect their farms, businesses, roads, emergency services, landscapes and local environment before decisions are made.

Meaningful consultation means listening early, responding to concerns and being prepared to improve a project where local knowledge identifies genuine issues.

Protecting What Matters

Renewable energy should complement—not unnecessarily replace—the things that make regional Victoria strong.

  • Productive agricultural land.
  • Regional food production.
  • Healthy waterways and native vegetation.
  • Strong local businesses.
  • Tourism and rural landscapes.
  • Property rights.
  • Thriving regional communities.

Planning for the Long Term

Major energy infrastructure may remain in place for decades. Planning decisions made today will shape North East Victoria for future generations.

Good planning considers not only construction, but also long-term maintenance, decommissioning, rehabilitation and the future use of the land once projects reach the end of their operational life.

Our Position

Fair Go for North East Country supports renewable energy that is:

  • Properly planned.
  • Appropriately located.
  • Evidence-based.
  • Environmentally responsible.
  • Supported by genuine community consultation.
  • Respectful of productive farmland and regional communities.
  • Transparent throughout the planning process.

Building a Better Future

Renewable energy and agriculture can both be part of Australia's future.

With practical planning, balanced decision-making and genuine community engagement, we can strengthen our energy system while protecting the productive farmland, landscapes and regional communities that have supported Victoria for generations.

Fair Go for North East Country supports renewable energy done right—through practical planning, appropriate locations and decisions that deliver lasting benefits for both regional communities and future generations.