Victoria approves $490 M Meadow Creek hybrid project
The 322 MW solar and battery project gets the green light despite community objections over land use and environmental impact.
Image for illustrative purposes
Australia, Victoria: The 322 MW / 1 GWh Meadow Creek Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has received planning and environmental approval from the Victorian government, clearing the way for one of the state’s largest hybrid renewable energy projects.
Located about 265 km northeast of Melbourne in the Wangaratta region, the $490 M (AUD 750 M) project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 110,000 homes and contribute to Victoria’s goal of achieving 95 % renewable energy by 2035.
The project’s developer, reported to be a local farming family, will now prepare detailed management and construction plans to comply with conditions addressing community concerns related to setbacks, waterways, and construction management.
Despite approval, the project faced strong opposition from the Rural City of Wangaratta council and several community groups, who cited issues including the use of strategic agricultural land, potential risks to the local drinking water catchment, and the project’s impact on tourism and scenic landscapes.
Cameron Munro, Development Director for Meadow Creek Solar Farm, acknowledged the concerns raised during the process and expressed appreciation for community engagement. “We respect the diverse views shared throughout the planning process and thank everyone who participated in good faith, including our many supporters,” he said.
The development will include a 2.4-km overhead transmission line connecting the site to the existing Dederang–Glenrowan transmission line via a new Docker 202 kV terminal substation.
The project’s approval highlights Victoria’s continued push for renewable energy expansion, even as local opposition underscores ongoing tensions between clean energy goals and regional land-use priorities.
Source: PV Magazine
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