“There has been an outcry from landowners [about the decision] to remove the right to challenge or appeal transmission infrastructure in VCAT,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“This is a blatant attempt by the Allan Labor Government to silence regional voices in favour of big renewable energy companies.”
Ms O’Keeffe mentioned the Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano’s criticism of the state government’s decision to fast-track renewable energy projects through the acceleration of plan approvals.
The VFF stated the move was a “slap in the face” after years of “sham consultation with farming communities”.
This change means that from the time a complete application is lodged for a new project, a decision can be made within four months.
“Four months is not long enough for a planning proposal that can then no longer be challenged in the future,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
She also said the government must have a fair framework and dispute resolution system to guide the transition to our renewable energy future.
“Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes, when questioned in parliament, failed to respond to the decision to strip VCAT from the renewables appeal process, handballing the matter to Agriculture Minister Ros Spence, who we now await a response from,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
“The Nationals will continue to fight for answers, given that affected primary producers will now have to take their grievances to the far more expensive Supreme Court.”
