UPDATE: The City of Greater Shepparton is set to engage the community on the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), with VicGrid confirming further consultations will take place in early 2026. This development comes after significant concerns were raised regarding the zone’s impact on valuable agricultural land.
At a council meeting held in November 2025, Mayor Shane Sali emphasized the necessity for public input following the initial establishment of the REZ without community consultation. The area in question, located between Shepparton East and Benalla, is critical for local agriculture, and community voices are now being prioritized.
Local officials have been advocating for discussions between VicGrid and residents since the announcement of the REZ, which was included in the Victorian Transmission Plan. Initially designated to cover areas west of Shepparton, the zone was reconfigured in the 2025 plan to include an eastern section that was introduced without adequate public input, raising alarm among landholders concerned about the loss of productive farmland.
The council’s submission to VicGrid, informed by a community survey that garnered over 200 responses, outlined pressing concerns regarding land use. Residents highlighted the potential loss of productive farmland and the inequitable distribution of benefits from renewable energy projects. Notably, the Dookie area, known for its high agricultural yields—averaging between 4.8 to 6 tonnes of wheat per hectare, significantly above the state average—faces particularly high stakes.
Councillor Geoff Akers underscored the need for VicGrid to conduct thorough community consultations, stating, “That probably should be retained in agriculture.” He pointed to the average land value in Dookie at $19,000 per hectare, compared to a state average of $17,000, reinforcing the economic importance of preserving these lands.
In response to community feedback, the council has requested VicGrid refine the REZ boundaries to exclude high-value farmland and flood-prone areas. They also urged for a comprehensive environmental assessment to evaluate potential impacts on local ecosystems and cultural heritage sites.
Following the meeting, Mayor Sali reiterated the importance of transparent engagement, stating that if the council had not intervened, the REZ would have proceeded without necessary consultations. “It’s pleasing that they’ve listened and taken into account what we raised,” he noted, highlighting the council’s role in advocating for the community’s interests.
As the community awaits the upcoming consultations, the council plans to continue advocating for changes that protect local agriculture while allowing for renewable energy development. “Renewables need to go where they won’t destroy prime farmland,” Cr Akers asserted, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops. To read the full review by consultants Sequana regarding the Central North REZ, visit tinyurl.com/2z3k8j9c.
