General News
22 May, 2025
VicGrid announces new Renewable Energy Zones in the Wimmera
VicGrid, is the government body responsible for planning and developing the state’s renewable energy zones, and released the Draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan for community and industry feedback on Friday, May 16, ahead of the release of the final plan later this year.
It sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identified the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects.
The statement said, "In response to significant community and industry consultation conducted in 2024, the draft plan identifies proposed areas for the renewable energy zones.
"In total, less than one per cent of the state will be needed for onshore renewable infrastructure.
"The proposed renewable energy zones cover about 7 per cent of the state," it stated.
Of the seven new zones, the three that will have the most impact in the Wimmera are near Stawell, Horsham, and in the Grampians.
The others proposed are near Ballarat, Gippsland, and Shepparton.
Spokeperson for Vic Grid said, " VicGrid will hold information hubs in the coming weeks.
VicGrid says not all of this land will host energy infrastructure, and it believes many of these projects would also be able to coexist with other land uses.
However, there has already been a significant push-back in the Wimmera and Western Victoria about the proposed Renewable Energy Zones, (REZ ZONES), with landowners signing up to protest the use of their land for renewables.
However, VicGrid maintains, if you’re a landholder in a renewable energy zone, you can choose whether to host new wind or solar farms on your property - " it’s your decision, and we encourage landholders to discuss this with their neighbours," they say.
All proposed projects will continue to be subject to planning and environmental approval processes.
"The seven proposed onshore renewable energy zones identified in the plan were chosen for their suitability to host renewable energy projects, taking into account feedback from communities, landholders, Traditional Owners, the quality of wind and solar resources, existing land uses and how projects can connect to the grid," a spokesperson said.
" VicGrid is also working to ensure new transmission is built in the right places and at the right time to reduce the total amount of new transmission needed and keep costs as low as possible for Victorians.
"We have prioritised upgrades to existing transmission lines wherever possible to minimise impacts on landholders and communities and to limit cost impacts on consumer power bills."
The Victorian Transmission Plan has identified the need for four new transmission lines in addition to projects already underway, however there will be a need for four more to be installed.
"Where possible, VicGrid will investigate the use of or expansion of existing easements for any new transmission lines. Landowners who host transmission will receive full and fair compensation under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act.
"The Victorian Government has also introduced an additional payment of $8,000 per km per year to landholders hosting energy infrastructure.
People can have their say on the Draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan at engage.vic.gov.au/vicgrid or at one of many in-person hubs and events around Victoria.
VicGrid CEO Alistair Parker said, “The transition to renewable energy will benefit all Victorians and boost regional economies, but it needs to be done right with long-term planning, certainty for industry, genuine consultation and real benefits for host communities, landholders and First Peoples.”
“We are changing the way energy infrastructure is planned to give communities a real say from the beginning of the process and working closely with key industries like agriculture to ensure they continue to thrive.”
“Victoria has already taken big steps in the transition to renewable energy with 40 per cent of the state’s power coming from renewables," he said.
“Through the Victorian Transmission Plan, we can make sure we have the right infrastructure in place to keep the lights on and deliver affordable renewable power to homes and businesses as coal-fired power closes down.