Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio released the Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines which sets out expectations of renewable energy project developers to engage early and meaningfully with landholders, neighbours and communities, and demonstrate how feedback is incorporated into the final project design.
The guidelines also set out expectations on how developers support local economic investment, deliver community benefits and put in place clear processes for complaints and dispute resolution.
The VFF has expressed disappointment with the lack of binding commitments or protections.
The new VicGrid community guidelines have a range of suggestions for renewable energy developers, but no time requirements or financial commitments.
VFF president Ryan Milgate said the guidelines contained improvements the VFF has consistently advocated for, but ultimately fails when it comes to delivering the iron-clad protections needed.
“We obviously welcome any move that strengthens the position of farmers dealing with renewable energy developers at their gate and this is a small step in the right direction.”
“However, the guidelines are long on expectations and short on obligations. At this stage, there is no clear enforcement mechanism, no compliance framework and no meaningful consequences for developers who fail to meet these expectations.
“We’re told those teeth will be added at some point in the future, but that doesn’t fill us with confidence.
“People ultimately want a guarantee that projects won’t proceed if communities aren’t treated with respect. What’s on the table here doesn’t give us that guarantee,” Mr Milgate said.
He said there remains a mountain of work to do to regain the trust of regional communities after years of broken promises and coercion.
“The horse has already bolted on many of these issues.
“Farmers and regional communities have spent years raising concerns about transparency, consultation and fairness.
“Releasing non-binding guidelines now will do little to rebuild confidence and it’s a long road back.”
The VFF also pointed out that the substance of the guidelines continues to fall short in key areas.
“The standard we sought on issues like insurance liability, putting a dollar value on community benefits, and decommissioning hasn’t been met.
“On many of these issues we’re told ‘more work is under way’, despite us being years into the transition and communities reaching breaking point.
“Farmers won’t forget that at this very moment, AusNet is trying to compulsory acquire land for the WRL project despite a shocking track record in communities.
“These guidelines and promises of future work are seemingly worthless to those communities where the damage is already being done,” Mr Milgate said.
Mr Milgate also questioned the proposed three-year review period for the guidelines.
“The rapid pace of renewable energy and transmission development across Victoria means a three-year review is far too long.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said the transition to renewable energy is expected to deliver major benefits for regional communities, with up to $2.3 billion in direct financial benefits from renewable and transmission projects over the next 25 years in Victoria.
“Once in operation, all projects applying for access to the grid must meet the new Community Engagement and Social Value Guidelines,” she said.
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