Council calls for stronger renewable energy planning processes

Published on 26 August 2026

Gannawarra Shire Council is calling on the Victorian Government to strengthen planning, consultation and assessment processes for renewable energy projects to ensure local communities, landowners and councils have a stronger voice in decision-making.

At its recent meeting, Council resolved to write to the Premier of Victoria, the Leader of the Opposition, the Minister for Planning and the Minister for Energy and Resources outlining a range of concerns relating to the planning approval process for renewable energy projects.

"This motion is not about whether renewable energy projects should proceed or not. It is about ensuring communities have confidence in the planning, assessment and consultation processes that underpin these developments," Mayor Garner Smith said.

Council is seeking changes including mandatory Environment Effects Statement processes for ministerially approved renewable energy projects, mandating that consultation periods run for 56 days, the protection of neighbouring landowners' planning rights and stronger consideration of concerns raised by local councils during assessment processes.

"Residents deserve meaningful opportunities to understand proposals, ask questions and have their feedback genuinely considered before decisions are made," Mayor Smith said.

"The current process for approving renewable energy projects is unacceptable and must not become the standard approach for major developments in Victoria.

“Communities, councils and neighbouring landowners are too often left feeling that decisions are being made without adequate consultation, transparency or consideration of local impacts. If Victoria is to successfully deliver the energy transition, it must do so through processes that are fair, accountable and build public trust.”

Council is also calling for local government and landowners to be able to access greater support to participate effectively in often complex planning processes.

"Many renewable energy proposals are large and technically complex. Additional resources would help councils and landowners engage more effectively and ensure community concerns are properly represented,” Mayor Smith said.

Council has also resolved that renewable energy projects approved directly by the Minister for Planning that require works within Council-managed road reserves be determined by Council resolution rather than officer delegation until a review of Council's policy framework is completed.

"Good governance, transparency and community engagement are essential to maintaining public confidence in major infrastructure decision-making,” Mayor Smith said.

“We are calling for reforms that strengthen these principles for the benefit of all Victorians.”