The Liberals and Nationals will protect Victorian farmers and safeguard prime agricultural land by introducing strict new independent audits and economic impact assessments on new energy developments if elected in November.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, said communities across rural and regional Victoria including the Shepparton electorate, are increasingly “concerned” about the Allan Labor Government’s approach to renewable energy projects.
“The government is rolling out such infrastructure without properly considering the long-term impact on agriculture and food production,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Under a Liberals and Nationals Government, independent agricultural and economic impact assessments will become mandatory as part of the approvals process for major renewable energy projects and transmission developments to ensure prime agricultural land is protected.
Ms O’Keeffe said this policy will ensure renewable energy developments and transmission infrastructure are subject to rigorous, independent assessment before they proceed, protecting farming communities and prime land.
“Protecting Victoria’s food and fibre production, particularly in the Goulburn Valley must be a priority.
“Renewable energy projects and transmission lines have highlighted the growing concern by many in the community that Labor is steamrolling rural and regional communities by putting productive land at risk.
“This announcement is about restoring fairness, transparency and proper community scrutiny to planning decisions that directly affect Victoria’s food security and regional livelihoods.
“The Liberals and Nationals know that renewable energy has an important role to play in Victoria’s energy future, but such projects must also have social and economic licence.”
