Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Cr Ian Ross has welcomed a visit to Horsham yesterday by Minister Lily D'Ambrosio, Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources and the State Electricity Commission.
The meeting was an opportunity to further advocate on behalf of the community on issues relating to mining, renewables and energy transmission and the Minister was very keen to listen to community concerns raised.
"Our CEO Gail Gatt and I were pleased to have the opportunity to speak directly to Minister D'Ambrosio around key issues that concern Council and the community, in relation to renewable energy (solar and wind farms), the Draft Victorian Transmission Plan and mineral sands mining," he said.
"Our key concern is the protection of agricultural land and mapping that seems to show prioritisation of mining over prime agricultural land in this region. The State Government need to urgently prepare clear mapping of the State's agricultural land quality that can then be used when considering land use planning projects across the state."
Cr Ross said Council is seeking a collaborative approach that puts community interests first.
"We aim to work with the State Government to ensure transparency in the approval processes for new projects, and to help secure long-term, strategic benefits for our communities as we navigate this economic transition," he said.
"At the same time, we are strongly advocating for the protection of rural and regional interests—particularly around the significant and lasting impacts these developments may have on local landholders and agricultural land use."
There will be considerable structural adjustment to the economy in our region over future years as a result of renewable energy, mining and transmission infrastructure projects.
Cr Ross said that good local engagement was an essential part of this change process and its pleasing to see that the Minister gave her commitment to working with local communities.
Council will continue to advocate to the State Government to ensure long-term, inter-generational community benefits are put in place to support everyone living in the regions.
