Dookie residents rejoice as government scraps renewable energy zone plans

Residents in the small Victorian town of Dookie are breathing a sigh of relief after the state government announced it was scrapping plans for a renewable energy zone in the region.

The proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone would have covered parts of several local government areas, including Campaspe, Greater Shepparton, Benalla, and Greater Bendigo. However, following a fierce backlash from residents, the government has decided to abandon the project.

A win for the community

Jodie Fleming, spokesperson for the Protect Dookie and GV Community group, said the decision was a victory for the people. "I think the power of the people came through," she said.

The group was formed in opposition to the energy proposal, arguing that it was not suitable for prime agricultural land. "Dookie itself has only got 330-odd residents. However 11,760 Victorians signed a petition to say 'Don't put it there,'" Ms Fleming said.

Ms Fleming said the proposal was unsuitable for the area, stating, "We are producing food for not just Victoria but Australia. To put a renewable energy zone where we're feeding our nation is ridiculous."

Reasons behind the decision

Ms Fleming believed the upcoming state election was "absolutely" a factor in the decision, and that a planned rally against the proposal would likely be converted to a big street party.

VicGrid, the government body responsible for planning and development of Victoria's renewable energy zones, said the decision to abandon the proposed zone would not impact other projects that were already advanced.

"This decision does not mean there won't be renewable energy development in the area," a spokesperson said.

Reaction from stakeholders

The Victorian Farmers' Federation (VFF) welcomed the decision, but was cautious. "While we welcome this decision, it's difficult to celebrate one community being listened to when others feel they were ignored by the same process," said VFF president Ryan Milgate.

Victorian Energy Minister Jaclyn Symes said the proposed zone had been canned "following community feedback and expert advice".

"The area covering the Campaspe River at Axedale to the Hume Highway at Glenrowan already hosts significant renewable generation, with existing and planned projects using much of the capacity available to plug into the existing grid," the statement read.

Liberal Member for northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell, expressed surprise at the government's decision, saying, "We expected the government to get up and put forward their reasons why they had included it in the transmission plan."