REZs are areas State Government planning body VicGrid has identified as the best places to host wind, solar and battery projects, with VicGrid vowing to prioritise access to the state’s transmission network for renewable projects built within REZs.
Community group Southern Wimmera Renewables Research Association, SWRRA, which opposes the Campbells Bridge Wind Farm, claimed the declared Western REZ left more than two thirds of RWE’s planned development outside of its boundaries.
SWRRA president Tess Healy, a Rupanyup resident, said the development was becoming ‘increasingly difficult to justify’.
“The project, which proposes turbines approximately 260 metres high across productive agricultural land between Rupanyup and Glenorchy, has been criticised for its potential impacts on farming, the environment, neighbouring landholders and regional communities,” she said.
“Recent changes to Victoria’s REZ boundaries have added further uncertainty.
“Approximately 70 per cent of the Campbells Bridge project area now falls outside the designated Western REZ, prompting questions about whether the project should continue to receive priority access to transmission infrastructure.”
A RWE spokesperson said the developer was examining the impact of the declared REZ boundaries.
“RWE is engaging with the Victorian government to fully understand the implications of the Western Renewable Energy Zone declaration on the proposed Campbells Bridge Wind Farm,” they said.
Ms Healy said SWRRA members had other concerns about the project.
“RWE has failed to provide meaningful updates on turbine locations, neighbour impacts or evidence that community concerns have influenced the design,” she said.
“Landholders along the preferred transmission route have publicly opposed granting access across their properties, with many arguing they should not face compulsory acquisition or government intervention to facilitate a private energy development.
“Community members are also critical of RWE’s consultation process, describing it as inadequate and dismissive.
“They argue the company’s limited community engagement, infrequent office hours and inconsistent communication have left many directly affected residents without genuine opportunities to influence the project.”
The RWE spokesperson said the company would keep residents updated as plans progressed.
“The proposed Campbells Bridge Wind Farm is in the planning stage,” they said.
“We are working through the detailed studies and investigations that inform the project design, including turbine locations.
“As such, proposed turbine locations are still being assessed. When we have more details, we will share these with the community and other stakeholders for feedback.
“RWE is committed to keeping the community informed as the project progresses. We share updates and information with the community through regular project newsletters, on the project website and in-person every Tuesday at our shopfront in Stawell.”
People can view plans for the proposed Campbells Bridge Wind Farm at au.rwe.com/projects/campbells-bridge-wind-farm.
People can find more information about REZ boundaries at www.vicgrid.com.au.
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