700,000-panel Cooba Solar Project opposed by Victorian council

A central Victorian council will urge the Victorian Minister for Planning to reject a huge solar farm planned to be built on a 1147ha site.

The future of a central Victorian solar farm hangs in the balance after a local council moved to oppose the development of the 700,000-panel project.

On Tuesday the Campaspe Shire Council agreed with its own officers’ recommended submission to the state Minister for Planning to reject energy developer Venn Energy’s Cooba Solar Project at Colbinabbin, located about 57km east of Bendigo.

In the council’s monthly ordinary meeting its councillors voted 7-1 following more than an hour of discussion.

Campaspe Shire Council mayor Daniel Mackrell said the council’s submission will argue the project does not align with the strategic planning context and fails to demonstrate strong economic community benefits, particularly regarding job creation.

“Whilst we fully support solar energy facilities in suitable locations, we feel that the Cooba Solar Farm’s proposed site and unresolved issues make it an unsuitable choice,” Mayor Mackrell said.

“Council has been advocating against this location for many months and provided supporting information to all members of the Legislative Council during its regional sitting in April in Echuca.”

The Cooba Solar Farm project involves the planned construction of a solar farm and battery energy storage system on a 1147ha site at Cornella Church Rd and Plain Rd, Colbinabbin.

Removal of 6.505ha of native vegetation, including 71 large trees, are part of the planned development.

Campaspe councillor Tony Marwood said the Cooba Solar project would affect “precious” farmland in the Campaspe Shire.

“That piece of land is arguably some of the best country we have in Campaspe Shire and probably is the most picturesque region in Campaspe Shire,” he said.

“This project will scar this country no doubt about it.

Landowner and farmer Claire Tuohey with Colbinabbin Estate Wine farm manager Colin Neate who's residence is within 150m from the proposed project site. Picture: Zoe Phillips

“Our farming land is a precious resource that supports our local economy and our food security. We can’t afford to lose this.

“The people of Collbinabin and the people of Campaspe must be respected and their voices must be heard.”

The planning application for the Cooba Solar Farms is currently before the Minister for Planning and is under consideration.

The report tabled and endorsed at the council meeting recommends that the Minister for Planning reject the Cooba Solar Farm planning application due to its potential negative impact on agricultural land and the local environment.

Earlier this year the Victorian Government implemented regulations which allow renewable projects to receive fast-tracked approval, removing the planning panel process and third-party appeals at VCAT.

Originally published as 700,000-panel Cooba Solar Project opposed by Victorian council