Victoria’s fast-tracked planning program has cleared the way for more than a dozen large-scale renewable projects.
The Allan Government says 13 renewable energy projects, totalling $3.3 billion in investment, have been approved under the expanded Development Facilitation Program (DFP) since 2024.
These include seven solar farms, five battery energy storage systems (BESS), and one wind farm, expected to generate enough power for 330,000 homes and support peak demand for 790,000.
Among them is Acenergy’s 350 MW / 700 MWh Little River BESS – one of two battery projects now set to become Victoria’s largest, alongside the Joel Joel BESS.
The $3.3 billion fast-track process, introduced to cut delays common in VCAT appeals, guarantees planning decisions within four months for qualifying projects.
“We know cost of living pressures are real for every Victorian, and I’m on their side – that’s why we’re doing everything we can to drive down their power bills,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.
Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny described the process as “making good decisions faster and greenlighting more renewable projects that will power hundreds of thousands of homes and create one thousand jobs.”
The government’s use of accelerated approvals has sparked some backlash.
At Little River, locals have criticised the BESS location, citing fire risk, land use and insufficient consultation.
Greater Geelong Council requested – and received – an extended consultation period, but concerns remain that bypassing third-party appeal rights may undercut trust.
Acenergy has committed $1.5 million to a community benefit fund and says it has worked to mitigate concerns at the Little River site.
The government maintains that delays at VCAT were often unnecessary, noting that most challenged projects were ultimately approved.
“Fast-tracking this process means even more Victorians will benefit from cheaper and cleaner power in their own homes sooner,” Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.