Residents are encouraged to provide feedback to the Victorian Government on a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development in Dederang.
Alpine Shire Council has been notified of planning application for a large-scale project, which is part of the ongoing transition to renewable energy.
The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is responsible for assessing the proposals, and formal public submissions are now open for a development proposed by Mint Renewables.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, encouraged the community to engage directly with the State Government process.
“This is an important opportunity for the community to have their voices heard,” she said.
“Council is not the decision-maker on these projects, but we strongly encourage anyone with an interest to make a formal submission to the Department of Transport and Planning.”
The proposed BESS developments would provide large-scale battery storage, supporting the transition to renewable energy by storing excess electricity and releasing it when demand is high.
The first project, proposed by Mint Renewables, is currently on public notice. The second project is expected to enter the public consultation phase at a later date.
Community members can find more information on the Mint Renewables project via the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Permits Register here: www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register/ministerial-permits/e85453b1-6896-ef11-8a69-00224898fcec
Formal submissions can be made by emailing development.approvals@transport.vic.gov.au.
Submissions close on Thursday, 13 February 2025.
If residents wish, they can also send a copy of their submission to Council. While Council is not the responsible authority, these submissions will help Councillors gain a better understanding of community viewpoints on the issue.
To share your submission with Council, email info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au.
Please email your submission through by Thursday, 13 February 2025.
What is happening in Dederang?
Two large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects have been proposed for Dederang. These projects are designed to store and release energy, supporting the transition to renewable power.
Who is responsible for making a decision on these projects?
The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is the responsible authority for assessing and determining the outcome of the planning applications. Alpine Shire Council is not the decision maker in this process.
What is Council’s role in this?
Council has been notified of the planning application and invited by DTP to submit feedback under Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
How can I have my say?
You can find more information on the Mint Renewables project via the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Permits Register here: www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register/ministerial-permits/e85453b1-6896-ef11-8a69-00224898fcec
Formal submissions to DTP can be emailed to development.approvals@transport.vic.gov.au. Submissions close on Thursday, 13 February 2025.
If you wish, you can also send a copy of your submission to Council so that Councillors can better understand community perspectives. To share your submission with Council, email it to info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au by Thursday, 13 February 2025.
Will Council’s submission influence the final decision?
Council’s submission is one of many that DTP will consider as part of their assessment process. However, the final decision rests with the State Government.
Where can I find more information?
For more information, you can view the supporting documents for the planning application here: www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register/ministerial-permits/e85453b1-6896-ef11-8a69-00224898fcec