Politicians stand against ‘inappropriate’ Cooba solar project location

The current proposed location is on the eastern slope of the Mount Camel Range in the middle of the Heathcote wine geographic indicator; and according to local winegrowers in and around that area, the location is “not appropriate”.

The planned Cooba solar facility is a 350-megawatt project and is proposed to occupy 665 hectares of a 1147 ha site south of Colbinabbin.

The project is spearheaded by Venn Energy, which says on its website that the proposed location was chosen due to its “excellent solar exposure”, its proximity to an existing transmission line and its lack of existing native vegetation and opportunity for minimal disturbance of wildlife.

The Colbinabbin Renewable Action Group said the proposed location was inappropriate due to its placement on “prime agricultural land”, and said the soil was “highly arable”.

It also believes that a large area filled with eight-metre tall solar panels would visually disturb the area.

Ms Lovell said in parliament, after a recent visit to Colbinabbin to listen to community concerns, she did not want to see that area covered in solar panels.

She also mentioned the Victorian Government’s own planning guide, which states “a solar facility should not lead to ... the loss of productive, state-significant agricultural land”.

Ms Lovell said Campaspe Shire Council, community residents and winegrowers around the region were concerned that the solar facility would impact tourism and the microclimate in the future.

“Dozens of wineries have invested in cellar doors and infrastructure to make the most of the view and attract tourists, but this giant solar farm could soon spoil the view and ruin the best efforts of local businesses,” Ms Lovell said.

“The rollout of new energy installations must be sensitive to existing uses of the land where they hope to build and (are) respectful of community concerns.”

In late September, state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland wrote to the planning minister to ensure proper consultation was carried out to include local voices and local leadership.

While local government elections are ongoing, and council is in caretaker mode, any decisions or opinions from councillors or council officials cannot be voiced.

The previous term’s Campaspe Shire councillors voiced their concerns with the project on various occasions and had submitted a proposal to the planning minister asking that the advertised planning application’s period for the Cooba solar farm take place outside the caretaker period, so that the new council would be able to respond accordingly to the advertised planning application.

State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said it was crucial local council had its say on the Cooba solar project.

“Proper scrutiny of this project is essential to ensuring all local voices are heard, and the only way to achieve this is by extending the consultation period,” Ms Broad said.

On August 13, Ms Cleeland submitted a petition with 1362 signatures and called on the Victorian Government to reject the application by Venn Energy to develop the Cooba solar facility.

“I implore the minister to listen to residents in Colbinabbin and surrounding communities,” Ms Cleeland said.

When the Free Press reached out for comment in June, a Venn Energy representative said it had been consulting with the Colbinabbin community for two years, including with the site’s direct neighbours and Campaspe Shire Council, during which time any concerns they had were addressed.

They also said Venn Energy would commit to establishing a community benefit fund with annual contribution from the Cooba solar project of $200,000 per year throughout the operational life of the project.

Venn Energy expects the solar facility to be operational by 2026.