Renewable Energy Planning

Governments use renewable energy zones as a planning tool to make sure that renewable energy production can be coordinated with transmission networks and energy demand. This ensures our electricity system is reliable, secure and developed at lowest possible cost.

Renewable Energy Zones attract investment in clean energy, which underpins the growth of new low carbon industries such as green hydrogen. In addition to creating jobs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, more renewable energy generation means lower power prices for households and business.

See here for more information on Renewable Energy Zones.

Wellington and South Gippsland Shire Councils have successfully secured $4.7m in funding from the Commonwealth Government Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (RPPP) to deliver the Renewable Energy Land and Infrastructure Plan (RELIP).  The purpose of the RELIP is to ensure our communities are ready for future growth associated with the new energy transition, including:

• Adequate land for diverse, affordable housing, including worker housing.
• Adequate land for industry and commercial activities that leverage opportunities for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
• Appropriate physical infrastructure and services (e.g. roads, drainage etc.)
• Appropriate community infrastructure and services (e.g. early years, open space etc.)
• Shovel ready plans for implementation of priority projects.

Community and stakeholder feedback is important to the success of the RELIP project. Information about how to get involved will be available soon. Please check back for updates.

For more information, contact the Project Manager, Renewable Energy Land and Infrastructure Plan, on (03) 5142 3171.

On 21 March 2023 Council adopted the Wellington Renewable Energy Impact and Readiness Study (the ‘Study’)

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The purpose of the Study was to undertake a stocktake of planned renewable energy investment in the Wellington Shire (and broader Gippsland area) and to provide an analysis of labour demand, supply chain considerations, infrastructure needs and residential and industrial land needs (with a focus on land use implications for Yarram and surrounds).

The Study assists with positioning the Wellington Shire (and the broader Gippsland region) to transition to renewable energy and to maximise social and economic benefits from more than $40 billion of planned investment.

The Study highlights the State and National significance of planned renewable energy investment which will require a coordinated Government response.

The Study identifies that the main ‘levers’ for Council to influence the transition to renewable energy are via advocacy to other levels of Government; regional partnerships and coordination including with other Local Government authorities/agencies; planning actions at the local level (particularly in terms of residential and industrial land supply in Yarram and Sale); economic development actions; and supporting community. Other Study findings and recommended actions apply to a broad range of other stakeholders, such as training and education providers.

It is noted that the Study provides a general summary and analysis of planned renewable energy investment based on information available in 2022.

It is also important to recognise that individual renewable energy projects remain subject to relevant consultation and Government approval processes, whereby specific project impacts will need to be further assessed on a ‘case by case’ basis in accordance with statutory requirements.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is the responsible authority for new planning permit applications for all energy generation facilities that are 1 megawatt or greater. Local government remains responsible for permit applications under 1MW.

For further information on applications currently under assessment by DELWP please visit Browse Ministerial Permits.

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Businesses interested in exploring supply chain opportunities associated with renewable energy and new energy projects are encouraged to contact Wellington Shire Council's Economic Development Team. We can help connect local businesses with emerging opportunities, provide information on upcoming projects, and support businesses to position themselves for participation in growing industry supply chains. For further information, please contact our Economic Development Officer on 0467 810 364 or (03) 5142 3254.

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The Gippsland New Energy website brings together easy to understand information about renewable energy technologies and the locations of proposed infrastructure developments in Gippsland. You can access the website and associated mapping through the following links:

• Gippsland New Energy Website
• Gippsland New Energy Maps

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Wellington Shire Council, in partnership with the Latrobe Valley Authority has developed a framework to support industry to build capability in initiating, developing or investing in biomass to energy projects in Gippsland.

The guide provides tools and resources to assist Gippsland based communities and industries to methodically step through four discreet phases of a successful bioenergy project.  Bioenergy projects require careful research, preparation and adherence to a number of planning and environmental regulations.

For further support or information please contact our Sustainability Project Officer.

‍Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework documents

• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Project Startup Guide
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Social Risk Guide
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Bioenergy skills and analysis
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Introduction
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 1
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 2
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 3
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Phase 4
• Gippsland Bioenergy Project Development Framework - Summary
• What is Bioenergy Information Pack

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