Council urges community to have their say on VicGrid’s Renewable Energy Zone proposal

One of these proposed zones, the Central North REZ, has seen a newly added eastern section between Shepparton and Glenrowan incorporated. This eastern section was not included in earlier drafts of the Victorian Transmission Plan, and has prompted concern due to impact on prime agricultural land, limited community consultation, economic impacts and transparency of the decision-making process.

In response, Greater Shepparton City Council is conducting a peer review of the proposal and is inviting community feedback via a survey to help shape its formal submission to VicGrid.

Greater Shepparton Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the community’s voice on the proposal is essential.

“Our region is home to some of the state’s most productive farmland, vibrant rural communities, and sensitive natural landscapes. We want to ensure that any renewable energy planning respects what our community values and is based on fair and transparent consultation,” he said.

Council’s survey gives residents, landholders and businesses the opportunity to provide feedback that will directly inform Council’s submission and help advocate for outcomes that reflect what matters most to residents and the future of the region.

“We’ve heard that some residents were unaware of this proposal, and others want to know how their input will be used,” Cr Sali said.

“This is a chance to be heard, clearly and directly, and to contribute to a balanced, evidence-based approach to renewable energy in Greater Shepparton.”

The Central North (REZ) Survey is open until Friday 17 October 2025 and can be accessed via Council’s online engagement platform, Shaping Greater Shepp.

For more information, phone 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au .