Wellington Shire advocates for regional infrastructure development and renewable energy investment

Wellington Shire Council recently met with The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP, Minister for Planning and The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Climate Action at Parliament House in Melbourne to discuss critical regional infrastructure development and renewable energy priorities. The meeting, held on Spring Street included a jam-packed agenda aimed at getting the State Government to acknowledge Victoria’s renewable energy needs by promoting sustainable growth and ensuring infrastructure readiness throughout the Gippsland region.

Representing Wellington Shire Council were Mayor Councillor Ian Bye, CEO David Morcom and General Manager Development Andrew Pomeroy. Joining them were delegates from South Gippsland Shire Council, including Mayor Clare Williams, Manager Regional Partnerships Christian Stefani and Manager Planning and Building Lucas Gardiner.

The discussion focused on the importance of the State Government working closely with both councils to plan for, and then implement the infrastructure requirements needed to support a large and emerging workforce along the Gippsland coast.  

Mayor Bye highlighted the importance of a proactive land and infrastructure plan to support towns like Yarram and Foster, which are situated close to local infrastructure ports Barry Beach and Port Anthony. Housing and other infrastructure is critical to ensuring we are set up to support significant renewable energy investment.

“We have partnered with South Gippsland Shire Council and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation to lodge a $4.7 million funding application under the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnership Program. This has been strongly supported by the State Government, as a successful application will allow us to prepare the plan and open up land that is critical for future development” Cr Bye said.

“State and nationally significant renewable energy investment in the region will support a range of local infrastructure needs, whether it be local drainage infrastructure to support worker housing, road upgrades, or expanded childcare and recreation facilities. A key part of the discussion was the need for a fair and consistent funding framework for both onshore and offshore renewables.

“With recent feasibility licenses awarded by the Federal Government for up to 25GW of offshore wind, there's significant private sector interest in Victoria’s offshore wind industry. Strategic planning and timely infrastructure development are important to meet the State Government's renewable energy targets.

“We are now calling for the State Government to advocate to the Federal Government for funding of the plan and to identify required infrastructure needs and delivery to support state and nationally significant renewable energy investment in Gippsland. A whole-of-government approach is necessary to ensure successful energy planning and infrastructure delivery”.