News

Dookie zone questioned in parliament

By Geoff Adams

May 19, 2026

Dookie has 500 million-year-old soil. Photo: Gaye Sutherland Photo by Contributed

State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe has questioned Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio in Parliament, as to why the Central North Renewable Energy Zone was added without consultation when it wasn’t included in the original draft.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

“This proposed renewable energy zone seeks to destroy some of the most productive agricultural land in the nation in the heart of our region,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

“I had the opportunity to join with over 200 concerned locals recently to hear from representatives of VicGrid about the proposed zone that is on the table. Across the three sessions held, more than 500 people have attended to raise their concerns and have their questions answered.

“In the original draft planning process these communities were excluded and now have been blindsided by this inclusion. This had led to significant uncertainty and anxiety amongst the local community,” Ms O’Keeffe said.

Ms O’Keeffe stated that those affected by the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone had made it clear that they just want their voices heard in these discussions with VicGrid.

“This isn’t just about infrastructure; it is about protecting a way of life that has been built over many generations.

“That’s why it is important for the minister to hear the concerns of locals in my electorate about the effects this proposed zone will have on our region.

“Whilst it has been welcomed by VicGrid conducting these community information sessions, many questions still remain unanswered.”

Ms O’Keeffe said that under an elected Nationals and Liberal government, major transmission projects would be paused while a review was conducted into the Victorian Transmission Plan.