Greater Shepparton City Council welcomed the announcement and said it was a significant outcome achieved through united advocacy.
Deputy Mayor Geoff Akers praised the decision and said it was “a good result for Dookie”.
The decision followed months of dedicated advocacy from the Dookie community.
Concerns centred on the impacts infrastructure would have on the high-value agricultural land that surrounds the existing power lines in the region.
The decision came after a petition of 11,000 signatures from residents was presented to state parliament on Wednesday, September 9.
“This outcome is the result of a united community and a council that backed its residents every step of the way,” Cr Akers said.
“People took the time to attend meetings, make submissions and speak up for the future of their region, and today they have been heard,” he said.
“The Dookie community has shown remarkable leadership throughout this process, and today’s announcement is recognition of the strength of that collective voice.”
The decision came during council’s showcase of Greater Shepparton held in Queen’s Hall in Parliament House.
Council chief executive officer Fiona Le Gassick said she was pleased to be at Parliament House when the decision was made.
“By working together and presenting a united position, we have helped achieve a positive result for Greater Shepparton and our agricultural sector,” Ms Le Gassick said.
“Council will continue to advocate strongly for the interests of our residents and ensure local voices remain at the centre of any future discussions.”
A statement from the government said it was continuing to work on renewable energy projects while taking onboard community feedback and expert advice.
“We’re listening to communities and taking expert advice – while getting on with the renewable energy projects Victoria needs to keep the lights on and bills down,” Energy and Resources Minister Jaclyn Symes said.
“This region already hosts significant renewable energy, and much of the capacity to plug new projects into the existing grid is already being used.”
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