NILLUMBIK: Row over Doreen battery
Nillumbik Council says its is aware of a proposal to develop a Battery Energy Storage System on land in Middle Hut Rd, Doreen.
A planning permit application is expected to be lodged with the Minister for Planning next month seeking approval for the project.
The site is located in the Green Wedge Zone, is partially affected by Environmental Significance Overlay Schedule 1, and is within a designated bushfire prone area and an area of aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity.
“This proposal will not be assessed through a Nillumbik planning permit application. Instead, it is expected to be considered by the Minister for Planning under the Significant Economic Development provisions (Clause 53.22 of the Nillumbik Planning Scheme),” said a Nillumbik Shire Council representative.
“As part of that process, the application will likely be referred to Council for comment.
“The proposal will need to be publicly advertised, giving residents and other interested parties an opportunity to make a submission or object. Those submissions will be considered as part of the Minister’s assessment.
“The final decision will be made by the Minister for Planning [Sonya Kilkeeny, pictured]. There are no third-party appeal rights for either Council or the community in relation to the Minister’s decision under this process. Council has not formed a position on the proposal at this stage. Any submission from Council would be based on an assessment of the application and supporting technical reports once they are formally referred to Council.”