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FAMILY FUN ON THE RUN Some 1078 entrants enjoyed perfect autumn conditions for yesterday’s Wangaratta Chronicle Marathon and Fun Run events, with parents and children (pictured) enjoying running together in the 2km ‘Chasers’ event. Full coverage in sport. PHOTO: Jef Zeuschner
Rallying for the appeal Page 3
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Fishing for research
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RUB, Yarra into WDCA grand final Sport
Fast-track fightback LLocall figgures slam l the h S State G Government’s ’ pl plan to advance d renewable bl energy gy p projects j THE local rural community has slammed the State Government’s plan to accelerate renewable energy projects across the state. In a bid to advance $90 billion worth of developments held up in red tape, Premier Jacinta Allan last week announced renewable energy projects will be eligible for an accelerated planning pathway under the Development Facilitation Program (DFP).
BY BAILEY ZIMMERMANN bzimmermann@ nemedia.com.au
Under the change, all new renewable projects in Victoria will be treated as a “significant economic development”, removing the planning panel process and third-party appeals at Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and
opening a pathway for decisions to be made on applications within four months. Meadow Creek Agricultural Community Action Group (MCACAG) spokesperson, John Conroy, said the government’s decision would divide themselves from communities in an effort to “get their own way”. “Once again they’re removing any sort of power from local communities
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or local representatives to have any impact on decision making,” he said. “It’s hugely concerning when you’ve got international renewable companies coming to claim our agricultural land and turn it into an industrial zone, which is going to change our landscape forever. “These professionals are spending years putting together these applications and they expect a commu-
nity to digest information and come to them with all of their is dotted and ts crossed and be a chance to defend their proposal. “Communities are meant to be built on trust and good relationships with neighbours and once again the government seems to be able to destroy it.” MCACAG have vehemently been advocating against the construction of a
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proposed $750m solar farm development at Meadow Creek since November 2022, which will be one of the projects that could fall under the fast track changes. Under the changes, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny said communities can still raise concerns through the usual consultation submissions process and appeal decisions to the Supreme Court. ■ Continued page 2