The Nationals’ Members for Euroa and Shepparton, Annabelle Cleeland and Kim O’Keeffe have jointly called on the Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, and VicGrid to overhaul their consultation process and deliver tangible benefits for regional communities hosting renewable energy projects.
Following a meeting with the Minister, VicGrid’s CEO, and Benalla Rural City Council, Ms Cleeland and Ms O’Keeffe pushed for a Community Future Fund, a model that would pool developer contributions and invest the returns into long-term local projects.
“This is about making sure regional communities see real benefits as from renewable developments, not just token gestures,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We want investment that creates training opportunities, supports new housing, and builds industrial precincts, not just another football uniform.”
The proposal also calls for:
- Independent governance, with councils, businesses, and community representatives overseeing the fund to ensure transparency and prevent political interference.
- A clear community benefit framework, setting consistent contribution thresholds across projects.
- Genuine consultation, after VicGrid’s process left many residents feeling ignored or misled.
A recent survey conducted by Ms Cleeland, with more than 70 respondents from across North-East Victoria, found widespread frustration and distrust toward the rollout of renewable energy zones.
Locals cited poor consultation, loss of farmland, and a lack of accountability as major concerns, with many saying projects were being done to them, not with them.
Ms O’Keeffe said that people are angry because they have been shut out of decisions that reshape their backyards and communities.
“VicGrid’s commitment to extend consultation in the Shepparton and Benalla regions is welcome, but this must be the start of a genuine reset.”
Both Ms Cleeland and Ms O’Keeffe have secured a dedicated VicGrid contact point for their electorate offices to help clarify information and address misinformation as community discussions continue.
“This is about restoring trust,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Regional Victoria deserves a renewable rollout that’s transparent, fair and shaped by the people who live here.”
