Two renewable energy projects in Bairnsdale have been approved by the Allan Labor Government, a move set to cut household energy bills and boost supply across Gippsland.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny has given the green light to the Ballantine Solar Farm, an 85-megawatt facility operated by Elgin Energy, alongside a 70-megawatt battery storage system. The projects, cleared through the Development Facilitation Program, are expected to power tens of thousands of homes while creating more than 170 jobs.
The solar farm will generate enough electricity for about 36,000 homes each year. The battery system will store power and provide evening supply for around 24,000 households, helping to ease demand at peak times. Consultation was carried out with local property owners and key agencies including the Country Fire Authority, Energy Safe Victoria, Transport for Victoria and WorkSafe.
Since the Development Facilitation Program was extended to cover renewable projects last year, 18 projects have been unlocked, bringing in more than $4.9 billion in investment and creating around 1,900 jobs. Once complete, they will produce enough energy to power almost 574,000 households, with storage to cover evening demand for nearly a million.
Kilkenny said the Bairnsdale approvals showed the value of the program. “This approval reflects the ongoing success of the Development Facilitation Program—cutting red tape that will help cut down power bills faster.”
Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio pointed to Victoria’s record on energy prices. “We consistently have the cheapest wholesale energy prices in the country and fast-tracking this process means even more Victorians will benefit from cheaper renewable energy sooner.”
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said the projects would have a direct impact on cost of living pressures. “The more low-cost electricity we produce, the cheaper it is for all of us.”
Victoria has met every climate and energy target set to date and is aiming for 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035. That target, the government says, will deliver $9.5 billion in economic development and help create 67,000 jobs by 2040.
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