“Devastating” summer of bushfires prompts extension of renewables zone consultation

A consultation on Victoria’s five draft onshore renewable energy zones (REZs) has been extended for an additional three weeks in response to the recent bushfires which have impacted several parts of the state.

VicGrid, the state government’s purpose-built agency coordinating planning and development of Victoria’s renewable energy zones, late last year launched a consultation on five draft REZs – the Western, Central Highlands, Gippsland, North West, and South West zones.

Victorian energy minister Lily D’Ambrosio also issued a draft order for the Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone, which is intended to coordinate the private underground cables that connect offshore wind generation to the shared network.

The consultation period was expected to run to Sunday 22 February in order to give everyone a chance to provide feedback and help shape the development of Victoria’s renewable energy zones.

However, VicGrid announced last week that it would extend the consultation period by 3 weeks “in response to the impact of recent bushfires.”

“We recognise the devastating impact the bushfires had on many communities and want to ensure people have the opportunity to have their say when the time is right,” VicGrid said.  

Bushfires have ravaged parts of Victoria since early January, and as of writing, a bushfire is threatening homes in Trawool, south of Seymore in central Victoria.

VicGrid will also reschedule community webinars and events that had been paused due to the bushfires. The latest schedule is available to view on VicGrid’s events and webinars page.

VicGrid has also promised to engage with people and communities in whatever way is most convenient, offering one-on-one and group meetings, briefings, and calls. Further information and contact details are available here.

In addition to the five draft zones open for consultation and the draft order for the Gippsland Shoreline REZ, VicGrid has confirmed that more information on the formal consultation for the proposed Central North zone will be provided later this year.

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