Giving power back to the macedon community

The Andrews Labor Government is helping the Macedon community do their bit to counter climate change and embrace a clean energy future, with planning changes now approved to facilitate a community wind energy facility at Woodend.

The Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group is developing the community energy park project, which is expected to include wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage.

The project will help reduce local carbon emissions and provide a source of income for residents and local sustainability projects, while increasing energy security for the region.

Details of the project can now be finalised and will be subject to a detailed design, assessment and review via the planning permit application process which includes community consultation.

The amendment to the Macedon Ranges Planning Scheme is necessary to allow an application to be made to develop a wind farm on the site, as the current zoning prohibits a wind energy facility.

The Andrews Labor Government’s ambitious renewable energy policies will ensure that 25 per cent of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources by 2020 and create 11,000 energy sector jobs by 2025.

Quotes attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"This is a big step forward for the Macedon community energy park project. The determination and commitment of the local Macedon community is to be applauded. The people of Macedon are passionate about embracing clean energy and doing their bit to tackle climate change."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio
"Across the state, groups like this are helping their communities’ transition towards a fairer and more sustainable energy system and I want to commend the Macedon Ranges for taking ownership of climate change in a very practical way."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne
"We want to do everything we can to encourage local projects to combat climate change, which is why we’re making sure the planning system supports communities to develop their renewable energy projects."