The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has condemned the Allan Labor Government’s decision to ignore community concerns and approve the controversial Cooba Solar Farm.
The decision to proceed with the project comes despite overwhelming opposition from the Colbinabbin community, local council, and regional leaders.
The development will see 740,000 eight-metre-tall solar panels installed across 665 hectares of high-value agricultural land just 4.5 kilometres from Colbinabbin. The site sits at the heart of the Heathcote Wine GI, a region known for its farming heritage and thriving tourism.
Ms Cleeland has been a long-time supporter of the local campaign against the project, presenting petitions in Parliament, meeting with ministers, and advocating for the community across multiple platforms.
“This approval is a devastating blow to the Colbinabbin community,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Locals have been clear from the start that this project is not welcome, yet this government has chosen to ignore them.”
The facility was approved under the State Government’s centralised planning laws, giving the Minister for Planning the power to override local voices and denying the community any right to appeal the decision through VCAT.
The Campaspe Shire Council had formally opposed the development, citing significant risks to land use, safety, and local industry.
“This government talks a lot about consultation, but when it matters most, they do not listen,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Our planning system is broken. It allows distant decision-makers to impose massive developments on people who have everything to lose and no power to stop it.
“This decision sends a clear message that Labor does not care about regional Victorians.”
Ms Cleeland said the project raised serious concerns among farmers, local businesses, CFA volunteers and residents, including the destruction of highly arable land, increased fire risk, and a lack of local benefit.
“From the outset, this has been about protecting Colbinabbin’s future,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We are talking about some of the most productive agricultural land in the state, a community built on farming, wine, and tourism that is now being sacrificed without justification.
“Our communities deserve a say in their future. They deserve to be respected, not ignored.”