Horsham Rural City Council representatives weren’t invited. Member for Lowan Emma Kealy wasn’t invited. Very few members of the community were invited.

But here we were in a paddock on the outskirts of Horsham on a warm midweek morning, full of dry ryegrass, a large marquee with shiny posters of impending plans, and two strategically-placed excavators with shovels – just waiting for their photo opportunity.

Premier Jacinta Allan’s quick visit to Horsham on Wednesday last week was perfectly stage-managed, and seemingly shrouded in a bit of secrecy.

A new $370-million solar and battery plant – the second project by the re-born government-owned energy generator, the State Electricity Company, SEC – is set to be located opposite the Horsham power station on Riverside East Road.

There were more people wearing suits in that paddock than there probably was in the whole of Horsham that day.

Representatives from the government, the SEC, and OX2 – the European developer who will build the renewable energy park – crowded around as we counted on two hands the people from Horsham. 

One hand was the local landowners who were leasing their land to the SEC and the other hand was local media representatives.

Before we had even driven to the gate, we were flagged down by a nearby resident who was angry she had no knowledge of the event and that nobody from council was there.

As we drove to the gate, security took our names to make sure we were allowed in.

It was like no other visit by a Victorian premier in the past 30 years.

In the past, despite the dignitaries and formalities often involved, premiers have taken their trips to the Wimmera pretty casually.

But this was different.

The Premier and ministers are acutely aware of the level of opposition to many projects and plans in the region.

Whether it is transmission lines, mineral sand mines or plans to ban most of the rock climbing at Mount Arapiles, the level of opposition is strong. And growing.

I assume that is the exact reason why the Premier’s visit was kept on the down-low.

During a press conference, Ms Allan faced questions from local media about mineral sand mine projects and the effect the climbing bans at Mount Arapiles would have on Natimuk, and the region.

But I would have traded in all the question time for the Premier to take the time to meet personally with Natimuk residents and landowners affected by mineral sand mine projects and directly hear their concerns.

The government’s version of consultation leaves a lot to be desired.

It really is the least that our people – voters, tax-payers, and carers of our land – deserve in the respective processes. 

LETTERS: Arapiles concerns, A proud, working history, Blood Bank blessing, Congratulations Nhill

RELATED: SEC to soak up the sun after Horsham solar farm launch

The entire November 27, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November,27, 2024 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!