BARWON SOUTH WEST RENEWABLE ENERGY ROADMAP CAPTURING OUR COMMUNITY'S VIEWS

Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 1 _ CONTENTS

Minister's Foreword 2

About this Roadmap 3

Our Renewable Energy Landscape 4

Community Engagement 6

Understanding our Communities and Stakeholders 8

About the Great South Coast 8

About G21 12

The Faces of our Community 16

Community Driven Renewable Energy 18

Uniquely Positioned for a Renewable Energy Future 20

Renewable Energy Generation in Barwon South West 24

Wind 25

Solar 30

Bioenergy 34

Regional Collaboration for a Renewable Energy Future 36

Continuing the Conversation 40

Acknowledgement of Barwon South West's Aboriginal communities

The Renewable Energy Roadmap project team acknowledges Barwon South West’s Aboriginal communities and their rich culture and pays its respects to their elders past and present. The project team recognises the intrinsic connection of traditional owners to country and acknowledges their contribution to its care. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s first peoples and as the traditional owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely. We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us. We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice. t Artwork by Year 3/4 Barwon South West student, Lachie Irvine Published December 2019 2

MINISTER'S FOREWORD

On behalf of the Victorian Government, I am pleased to present the Victorian Regional Renewable Energy Roadmaps.

As we transition to cleaner energy with new These Roadmaps articulate our regional opportunities for jobs and greater security of communities’ vision for a renewable energy supply, we are looking to empower future, identify opportunities to attract communities, accelerate renewable energy investment and better understand their and build a more sustainable and community’s engagement and capacity to prosperous state. transition to renewable energy.

Victoria is leading the way to meet the Each Roadmap has developed individual challenges of climate change by enshrining regional renewable energy strategies to our Victorian Renewable Energy Targets provide intelligence to business, industry (VRET) into law: 25 per cent by 2020, rising to and communities seeking to establish or 40 per cent by 2025 and 50 per cent by 2030. expand new energy technology development, manufacturing or renewable Achieving the 2030 target is expected to energy generation in Victoria. boost the Victorian economy by $5.8 billion - driving metro, regional and rural industry The scale of change will be significant, but and supply chain development. It will create so will the opportunities. around 4,000 full time jobs a year and cut Each community has a part to play in power costs. embracing cleaner energy and the benefits It will also give the renewable energy sector it brings for a brighter future. the confidence it needs to invest in renewable projects and help Victorians take control of their energy needs.

Communities across Barwon South West, Gippsland, Grampians and Loddon Mallee The Hon Lily D'Ambrosio MP have been involved in discussions to help Minister for Energy, Environment define how Victoria transitions to a and Climate Change renewable energy economy. Minister for Solar Homes State Government of Victoria Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 3

ABOUT THIS ROADMAP

This Roadmap captures the Barwon South West community’s views following significant engagement and consultation between April and September 2019.

It is part of a very important, ongoing This Roadmap is about collaboration and conversation about the region’s transition engagement, particularly understanding to a renewable energy future and reflects how the various regions across Victoria the unique characteristics and the lived can contribute to our state’s renewable experience of the people of Barwon South energy targets while delivering benefits West . for their own households, businesses and communities. The Barwon South West community understands we must plan and act with I'd like to thank Barwon Water for hosting purpose to achieve our renewable energy this project. Their own renewable energy goals. There are some differences in ambitions are an example of what is the experience and opinions of Barwon possible with focus and collaboration. South West residents, when we look and What resources are available and what listen deeper to the feedback from our opportunities do they provide? Are communities in the west (known as the communities and regions “renewable Great South Coast) and the east (known energy ready”? And what can we learn from as G21). These differences are explored their “lived experience” to date? in more detail later in this Roadmap, but essentially result from the “lived These are just some of the questions being experience” of Great South Coast residents asked as part of constructive, focussed of renewable energy generation projects, conversations which continue across our mainly wind farms. state. Working with our communities we will continue to listen and learn, refine At the time this Roadmap was produced, our shared priorities and develop action three local councils in our region – Surf plans to progress these priorities – working Coast Shire, City of Warrnambool and together with a common purpose. Moyne Shire – had declared a climate emergency. This is significant, because these council declarations reflect how Colleen White Barwon South West communities are Regional Director feeling about the current and emerging Barwon South West issues associated with our climate. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 4

OUR RENEWABLE ENERGY LANDSCAPE

Great South Coast Wind Farm

G21 Wind Farm (under construction)

Large Scale Solar (>250 kW)

Bioenergy Facility

500 kV transmission line SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE 275 kV transmission line

220 kV transmission line

GLENELG SHIRE Hamilton

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

MOYNE SHIRE

Mortlake Geelong

Terang Camperdown SURF COAST Colac SHIRE Torquay Portland Warrnambool CORANGAMITE SHIRE BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFFE COLAC OTWAY CITY OF SHIRE Lorne WARRNAMBOOL

Apollo Bay Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 5

Great South Coast Wind Farm

G21 Wind Farm (under construction)

Large Scale Solar (>250 kW)

Bioenergy Facility

500 kV transmission line SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE 275 kV transmission line

220 kV transmission line

GLENELG SHIRE Hamilton

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

MOYNE SHIRE

Mortlake Geelong

Terang Camperdown SURF COAST Colac SHIRE Torquay Portland Warrnambool CORANGAMITE SHIRE BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFFE COLAC OTWAY CITY OF SHIRE Lorne WARRNAMBOOL

Apollo Bay

Source: Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), 2019a, System Strength 2018-19. Retrieved from www.aemo.com.au [Accessed 18 October 2019] 6

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT LISTENING, LEARNING AND SHARING WITHIN OUR COMMUNITIES

Over almost six People from all walks of life contributed to the conversation, TALKING, months between across community events such as LISTENING, April and September markets and festivals, in schools, LEARNING AND 2019, across many and via an online survey. forums and using a Barwon South West residents SHARING spoke up about what was Collaboration, consultation variety of stakeholder happening with renewable energy and engagement with local engagement tools, the in their area, and what they thought communities was key to this Barwon South West about it. What did they see as the Roadmap’s development. benefits of renewable energy to Across Barwon South West, community shared the community and region? What this process involved: their aspirations, are the challenges and constraints? What type of renewable energy • Engagement and desires and interest systems are of most interest to our consultation activities communities, and what does the over almost six months. in renewable energy best mix of energy generation look • More than 30 qualitative generation and use, like for our region? Discussions also interviews with various and any constraints or covered who should finance and stakeholders. concerns, based on run renewable energy generation, • Multiple stakeholder and residents let us know anything workshops and meetings their experience and else that was on their mind about across the east and west knowledge. renewable energy. of our region. In all, more than 500 people • Engagement at local across the nine Local Government events – farmers’ Authorities (LGAs) that make up markets, open house Barwon South West were part of events, local hall this engagement. They gave frank meetings and festivals feedback about what people in attended by thousands our region think about renewable of people. energy, and several key themes • Structured “listening emerged. posts” to ensure conversations were consistent. • Detailed online survey. • Engagement with our region’s youth, via sessions held in schools and in after school youth groups. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 7

KEY THEMES

SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY SHARE THE BENEFITS IS STRONG Sharing and retention of benefits derived from renewable energy infrastructure development in our region is key with There is strong support across our region for renewable Barwon South West residents, and building and maintaining energy generation and a progressive transition to trust between them and developers is critical. People felt renewables. People understand that this transition is it was important that renewable energy projects in the essential, given the rising costs of energy supply to region created local jobs and an economic boost to local households and businesses and the pressures of climate businesses. Barwon South West is uniquely positioned change. within regional Victoria to capitalise on renewable energy Very few people (less than one percent of all residents technology growth, with 30 specialist firms identified in the who contributed), did not support a shift to renewable Victorian Government’s “Wind and Solar Facilities – Victoria energy. Their key reasons for not supporting the Business Supply Chain Directory” situated in Barwon South transition were perceptions about reliability of supply, West. appropriate use of valuable agricultural land and a perception that Australia’s contribution to climate change was so small compared to other countries that it didn’t matter how we produced our energy.

WIND AND SOLAR ARE THE PREFERRED TECHNOLOGIES Wind and solar renewable energy generation are seen by TAKE A STRATEGIC APPROACH AND communities across our region as the most appropriate, given the climatic conditions and advantages, and offering LISTEN TO THE COMMUNITY the most potential, now and into the future. Wind and An important theme which emerged was community solar are also the types of energy generation that Barwon concern that renewable energy generation projects South West residents know most about. were not being planned in a systematic way across Victoria, leading to rushed and ad hoc projects. People were concerned that the rollout of renewable energy was being driven by the priorities of large commercial developers who did not listen to community concerns or act in the community’s interest. One of the community’s main concerns was productive agricultural land being CUT DOWN THE COMPLEXITIES AND used for renewable energy projects. COSTS, AND MAKE IT EASIER The most consistent concern raised by stakeholders was Barwon South West residents are interested in a renewable poor community consultation about proposed renewable energy future for the region and state, but said they see energy projects. People felt they weren’t involved in the the current rules and regulations as highly complex and planning of renewable projects in their area and that preventing community involvement and innovation in the developers sometimes overstated the benefits. renewable energy space. For example, residents say it is confusing to know how to go about getting rooftop solar and that battery storage or small-scale renewable energy projects are too expensive and this prevents some, like dairy farmers, from installing solar systems as they use most of their energy when the sun isn’t shining. 8

UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMUNITIES AND STAKEHOLDERS

Barwon South West covers an area of more than 2.9 million hectares, incorporating several major regional centres including Geelong, Colac, Warrnambool and Hamilton.

ABOUT THE GREAT SOUTH COAST

The Great South Coast’s vision is to transition to 100 percent renewable SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS energy in a strategic SHIRE and well planned way that equitably shares the benefits amongst Hamilton the community. GLENELG SHIRE CORANGAMITE Mortlake The Great South Coast region SHIRE MOYNE SHIRE covers 23,000 square kilometres of Camperdown predominantly rural and coastal areas Portland in Victoria. The region has significant Warrnambool infrastructure attributes including major passenger and freight road and CITY OF rail assets and thoroughfare and the WARRNAMBOOL Port of Portland.

It also abounds with natural resources (particularly wind and sun) and environmental assets and attractions including marine and already, residents can provide a coastal parks such as the Twelve The Great South Coast contains unique understanding of the benefits Apostles Marine National Park and some of the best renewable and challenges of renewable energy the Budj Bim, Great Otway and energy resources in Barwon South generation, particularly large-scale Grampians National Parks. With a West, indeed in Victoria. It also wind development. population of 101,7021 the Great has some of the best transmission South Coast includes these local infrastructure, offering a competitive Two councils within the Great government areas (LGAs): Glenelg advantage for the region. The area South Coast, Moyne Shire Shire, Southern Grampians Shire, has great potential to benefit from and City of Warrnambool, Moyne Shire, City of Warrnambool Victoria’s renewable energy transition have declared climate change and Corangamite Shire. and, because of heavy investment in emergencies, reflecting the views renewable energy in the region and priorities of local constituents.

1 ABS2016a Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 9

RENEWABLE ENERGY CHALLENGES AND p Budj Bim Cultural Landscape INITIATIVES CONSTRAINTS Renewable energy generation, Great South Coast community • Local councils need clarity on how particularly wind, has long been a members noted the following to manage requirements under feature of the Great South Coast potential challenges and constraints various relevant State Acts – for region. Further development is to further renewable energy example those that cover noise underway in all of the five LGAs generation development and take-up and nuisance (Public Health and represented in the western end of within the area. Wellbeing Act 2008) and wind Barwon South West. Initiatives at • The number of existing and farm approval planning conditions either aspirational or feasibility stages committed large-scale wind (Planning and Environment Act include but are not limited to: farms in some areas means some 1987). • Port Fairy Smart Energy Precinct. residents are seeing landscape- • Community engagement • Negotiations with South Australia scale change all around them and requirements should be clear, for a cross-border biohub. feel they have had little say. consistent and part of permit • Hydrogen bus network. • A lack of a strategic, co-ordinated requirements. • Hamilton industrial land bioenergy. approach to how and where wind • Biochar energy (including for farms will be located and no carbon sequestration). shared understanding of what is OPPORTUNITIES • Green hydrogen export from reasonable. Great South Coast community Portland. • Roads and other local town members also saw a number of infrastructure (like bridges) are not • Hydrogen production. opportunities for renewable energy fit for large-scale infrastructure • Hydrogen refueling station. development in their part of Barwon development and the impact of • Power upgrades for dairies. South West. They suggested the heavy vehicles and the cost of • Zero carbon plans. following: repairs is often borne by local • Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) governments. • Think as a region and take a co- to obtain 45 percent renewable ordinated approach. • Local councils need support as energy. they are left with the responsibility • Replace natural gas with • Electric vehicle charging of making sure wind farms comply renewable energy alternatives. infrastructure – strategy with their permits creating a • Ensure profits and benefits stay opportunities “charging the significant burden on council within the region. region”. resources. They want to work • Improve waste management. • Port of Portland operating and with those responsible for setting • Look to improve regional jobs supporting the development permit conditions. of large-scale renewable and growth, including education • Large-scale wind project infrastructure in the region. and training facilities focussed construction has decreased • Renewable energy power take- on retaining young people in the the availability of short-term up incentives and programs for region. accommodation and affordable industry and business. housing for low socio-economic status groups. 10

GLENELG SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE SHIRE

Population Population 19,7582 16,1232

Area Area 621,857 ha 665,402 ha

Average annual solar Average annual solar exposure exposure 15.5 MJ/sqm 15.8 MJ/sqm

Average wind speed Average wind speed 6.9 – 8.9 m/s 7.5 – 8.5 m/s

Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation Existing rooftop solar, solar Existing rooftop solar, solar and and wind farms have up to wind farms have up to 77.8 MW 154.9 MW of renewable energy of renewable energy capacity3. capacity3. Solar and wind farms Solar and wind farms under under construction or approved, construction or approved, combined with a full rollout of combined with a full rollout of rooftop solar across the region, rooftop solar across the region, would add a further 227.5 MW would add a further 137.1 MW of capacity4. of capacity4.

In 2019 Glenelg Shire Council Southern Grampians Shire Council undertook and published a Renewable is focussed on a renewable energy Energy Study to investigate the future, with recent initiatives including potential to develop the shire into participation in a Power Purchase a renewable energy hub for the Agreement initiated and facilitated by state. The study looked at four key the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances. renewable energy types – solar, wind, biomass and hydrogen – on the basis they were most easily implementable, financially viable, with long-term future application and market potential in addition to delivering strong job growth. Glenelg Shire is committed to demonstrating leadership in the Victorian average renewable energy sector. annual solar exposure 14 – 19 MJ/sqm

Victorian average t The Twelve Apostles wind speed 3.5 – 10 m/s Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 11

MOYNE CITY OF CORANGAMITE SHIRE WARRNAMBOOL SHIRE

Population Population Population 16,7372 34,2422 16,2432

Area Area Area 548,169 ha 12,095 ha 440,749 ha

Average annual solar Average annual solar Average annual solar exposure exposure exposure 15.3 MJ/sqm 15.3 MJ/sqm 15.3 MJ/sqm

Average wind speed Average wind speed Average wind speed 7.2 – 8.7 m/s 7.7 – 8.5 m/s 7.5 – 8.5 m/s

Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation Existing rooftop solar, solar Existing rooftop solar, solar and Existing rooftop solar, solar and and wind farms have up to wind farms have up to 7.1 MW wind farms have up to 13.8 MW 536.7 MW of renewable energy of renewable energy capacity3. of renewable energy capacity3. capacity3. Solar and wind Solar and wind farms under Solar and wind farms under farms under construction or construction or approved, construction or approved, approved, combined with a full combined with a full rollout of combined with a full rollout of rollout of rooftop solar across rooftop solar across the region, rooftop solar across the region, the region, would add a further would add a further 237.8 MW would add a further 172.2 MW 1,065.6 MW of capacity4. of capacity4. of capacity4.

In October 2019 Moyne Shire The City of Warrnambool Council is Corangamite Shire Council has Council joined a growing list of one of three in our region that has undertaken energy efficiency audits Australian councils declaring a declared a climate emergency. It has resulting in energy saving upgrades climate emergency and calling for also committed to being a carbon to council buildings and generated urgent action to address climate neutral organisation by 2040 and 156 MWh as a result of solar PV on change. This declaration followed among other things is looking at kindergartens. a presentation to councillors from options for a hydrogen powered bus their Youth Council, expressing their network. extreme concern about the impacts of climate change on their future.

Moyne’s 2019-2029 Economic 2 Development Strategy lists renewable ABS2016a 3 Capacity figures for both large-scale and rooftop solar include energy as a key point under its an 80% efficiency factor for conversion from Direct Current Economic Direction 3 Major Local to Alternating Current. Sources: Australian PV Institute, 2019, Mapping Australian Photovoltaic Installations (PV Postcode Data Industries. Moyne leads the way as & Large-Scale PV Systems). Retrieved from pv-map.apvi.org.au [Accessed 18 October 2019] and Department of Environment, Victoria’s wind energy hub and more Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), 2019, Wind farm and Solar Farm information on the shire’s commitment general locations (shapefiles). 4 Potential capacity is based on postcode figures developed by to renewable energy can be found at the Australian PV Institute (accessed Oct 2019, pvmap.apvi.org. www.moyne.vic.gov.au au) and recalculated to apply best fit to the region. It is not an estimate of currently approved projects/installations. 12

ABOUT G21

G21’s overarching vision for the region is to work together, be strategic, GOLDEN PLAINS make connections and SHIRE CITY OF GREATER focus on economic, GEELONG social and environmental

solutions to create a Geelong positive future for young people, and progressively SURF COAST shift to a sustainable world SHIRE for generations to come. Colac Torquay

BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFFE The G21 region covers 594,000 square COLAC OTWAY SHIRE kilometres and include these LGAs: Lorne Colac Otway Shire, Surf Coast Shire, City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe and Golden Plains Shire. Golden Plains Shire, while Apollo Bay not technically a part of the Barwon South West region, is part of the G21 Geelong Regional Alliance, and the views of some of its southern residents are covered in this Roadmap. “sea changers”, many of whom and is fast-tracking its switch to commute to Melbourne for work. renewable electricity. After only Geelong is the largest city in three years of action Barwon Water the region and the second largest city The Great Ocean Road, part of which is is now 60 percent renewable (based in Victoria. The Surf Coast Shire is one in G21, is an integral part of the fabric on implemented and committed of three in Barwon South West which of Barwon South West. projects) with a 3MW solar farm at has declared a climate emergency, The road and its surrounding Black Rock Water Reclamation Plant following advocacy and activism on environment are also at the forefront and an innovative bioenergy project this issue from local residents. of the impact of a changing climate underway in Colac that is planned to Community engagement with increased erosion events, storms save 8,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions indicates G21 residents are very surges and rising sea levels. per year. supportive of a renewable energy The G21's water corporation, future for the region. The G21 Barwon Water, has committed to a area covers retirees and lifestyle zero net emissions future by 2030 q Rainforest walk in the Otway Ranges. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 13

RENEWABLE ENERGY CHALLENGES AND • Work with regional TAFEs and universities to develop appropriate INITIATIVES CONSTRAINTS skill-based programs. Conduct G21 communities have strong The following challenges and audits to understand what skills aspirations to move to a renewable constraints came up as part of are needed, what we have, and energy future. This end of consultation with G21 communities: address the gaps. Barwon South West also has a • Solutions to renewable energy • Look to undertake study tours well-coordinated approach for challenges must be equitable to and exchanges – within Victoria, collaboration to achieve these ensure a just and fair transition Australia and internationally – to aspirations through the G21 alliance. for all. share renewable energy initiatives Initiatives at either aspirational or • Lack of clear, consistent policy. and experiences. feasibility stages include: • Impacts of any development on • Communicate more clearly • Deakin University micro-grid. the region’s natural environment. and effectively on the benefits, • Surf Coast Shire’s renewable • Lack of appropriately skilled, local opportunities and limitations of energy target of 25 percent by workforce. renewable energy technology. 2020. • Slow uptake of technology. • Develop a collective, co-ordinated • Colac Otway Shire’s goal of being • Lack of modelling data and regional vision for G21 and the carbon neutral by 2020. 99 kW shared learnings, local and broader Barwon South West. solar on Bluewater. 99 kW solar international. • Look for renewable energy on council offices. • Lack of regional vision. collaboration opportunities across • Proposed 6MW solar farm – • Resource constraints. G21 through local governments and sustainability groups. feasibility study pending. • Waste management. • Water Corporations and Local • Lack of focus on culture, sharing • Work to prioritise renewable Government Power Purchase experiences, building the case energy projects, understand “hot Agreements (PPA). for change, normalising the spots” and constraints so decision • BRACE community Power renewable energy experience. making is informed and balanced. Hub (eight community-based • Focus on waste management renewable energy groups). and its impact on the local area. • Barwon Water 100 percent OPPORTUNITIES Develop a product stewardship renewable energy by 2025 and program for renewable energy zero emissions by 2030. G21 communities are solution- waste, such as solar PV panels • Local Government procurement focused and offered the following and batteries. policies which encourage ideas to government, regulators and • Tell our stories, look to share, renewable technologies. legislators as a way forward: mentor and lead with renewables. • Green Tech Advisory Committee • Support energy decentralisation • Being part of a network of to support small-to-medium initiatives, such as micro-grids, Community Power Hubs across enterprises to adopt energy virtual power plants, and other Victoria. efficiency measures. community energy projects. • Geelong Technical School • Develop and promote policy school-based projects. that fosters regional innovation • Micro-grid investigations at Basil’s and local strategies that clearly Farm. contribute to Victoria’s overall • Corporate fleet electric vehicles. targets. • Supply chain development with • Understand the impacts of Vestas in Geelong providing local renewable energy generation on business opportunities. local assets in G21, marine and • Inverleigh wind farm proposal. terrestrial. • Community groups working on specific projects, for example the Community Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) Geelong. 14

COLAC OTWAY SHIRE

Population 21,3625

Area 343,747 ha

Average annual solar exposure 14.8 MJ/sqm

Average wind speed 6.5 – 9.2 m/s

Renewable energy generation Existing rooftop solar, solar and wind farms have up to 140.0 MW of renewable energy capacity6. Solar and wind farms under construction or approved, combined with a full rollout of rooftop solar across the region, would add a further 205.9 MW of capacity7.

Colac Otway Shire Council has committed to be a carbon neutral organisation by 2020, undertaken energy audits at nine key council facilities and installed a 99 kW PV system on its sport and recreation centre, Bluewater. Further energy efficiency upgrades are planned and a range of additional measures are being considered, including purchasing green power and / or carbon offsets.

t Aerial view of the City of Greater Geelong Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 15

SURF COAST CITY OF BOROUGH OF SHIRE GREATER GEELONG QUEENSCLIFFE

Population Population Population 30,4655 239,5295 2,9295

Area Area Area 155,294 ha 124,799 ha 862 ha

Average annual solar Average annual solar Average annual solar exposure exposure exposure 15.2 MJ/sqm 15.3 MJ/sqm 15.5 MJ/sqm

Average wind speed Average wind speed Average wind speed 7.0 – 9.4 m/s 7.2 – 8.1 m/s 7.6 – 8.1 m/s

Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation Renewable energy generation Existing rooftop solar, solar Existing rooftop solar, solar and Existing rooftop solar, solar and and wind farms have up to wind farms and bioenergy facilities wind farms have up to 1.4 MW 11.8 MW of renewable energy have up to 64.1 MW of renewable of renewable energy capacity6. capacity6. Solar and wind farms energy capacity6. Solar and wind Solar and wind farms which are under construction or approved, farms under construction or under construction or approved, combined with a full rollout of approved, combined with a full combined with a full rollout of rooftop solar across the region, rollout of rooftop solar across rooftop solar across the region, would add a further 189.1 MW the region, would add a further would add a further 30 MW of of capacity7. 1,409.9 MW of capacity7. capacity7.

Surf Coast Shire has adopted a target City of Greater Geelong Council Borough of Queenscliffe Council has of 25 percent renewable energy has installed two rooftop PV undertaken two rounds of energy by 2020, has initiated the website systems and planned a further 21 bulk buy programs for residents Powered by Positive to help people systems to be installed by the end (noting that 54 percent of houses access the best information on of 2019. It continues to embed One are not permanently occupied). It is renewable energy and established Planet Living principles across the now looking to partner with Deakin its Renewable Energy Taskforce to organisation and is one of the 48 University, electricity distributor support the community to transition local governments planning to join Powercor and the local community to renewable energy. The Shire is one the PPA initiated and facilitated by to achieve its aspiration of being of three in Barwon South West which the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances. 100 percent renewable. has declared a climate emergency, Geelong is a designated UNESCO following advocacy and activism on City of Design and its Cleantech this issue from local residents. 5 ABS2016a Innovations Geelong is a business and 6 Capacity figures for both large-scale and rooftop solar include an industry support program with a vision 80% efficiency factor for conversion from Direct Current to Alternating Current. Sources: Australian PV Institute, 2019, Mapping Australian to establish Geelong as a Centre of Photovoltaic Installations (PV Postcode Data & Large-Scale PV Systems). Excellence for cleantech in Australia. Retrieved from pv-map.apvi.org.au [Accessed 18 October 2019] and Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), 2019, Wind farm and Solar Farm general locations (shapefiles). 7 Potential capacity is based on postcode figures developed by the Australian PV Institute (accessed Oct 2019, pvmap.apvi.org.au) and recalculated to apply best fit to the region. It is not an estimate of currently approved projects/installations. 16

THE FACES OF OUR COMMUNITY

A wide range of community views were shared during this consulation and engagement process. The particular perspectives of four key community segments are captured here.

LIVING OFF THE LAND – FARMERS’ PERSPECTIVE

Farmers interviewed were government support to help with the supportive of transitioning to technology transition, noting that renewable energy, but saw the biggest constraint to investing some practical difficulties in in renewable energy generation is achieving it. They recognised the cost. Supply reliability was a concern, benefits to the environment, and given that farmers’ livelihoods expected a greater proportion of depended on it. Some farmers were renewable energy supply to reduce considering going back to using energy costs. Many expressed diesel because of the current cost an “ownership” sentiment, of power. Farmers noted there are acknowledging it was up to government subsidies for the coal everyone to do their bit to help industry but no specific support for deliver a cleaner energy future. farmers to transition to a renewable energy future. Some challenges raised included land use conflicts, a lack of coherent

YOUNG PEOPLE SAY WE MUST ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

Over 150 locals aged between 11 and around and hope others will fight 18 had their say and indicated they are for a better future for ourselves and concerned about climate change and others. We must be proactive, educate its impact on their future. They have a ourselves and take action” she says. good understanding of how energy is The biggest priority for youth was currently produced, and they want that reducing pollution. They felt it was to change, to have less impact on the also important that energy supply is environment. They identified the main reliable and the community has more constraints to achieving this change as say in how energy is supplied. They cost and the complexity of needing to listed solar and wind energy as they change the whole energy system. two most popular forms of renewable Alex Marshall from Surf Coast Shire energy for the future and were is passionate about working for a enthusiastic about finding new ways to sustainable future. “We cannot sit produce and store energy. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 17

MOBILISING GLOBAL CONCERNS INTO LOCAL ACTION

Judith Brooks is a member of the grid in Victoria that will not meet our Barwon Heads Association and future needs. We must find ways to a strong believer in the power of overcome current technical limitations thinking globally and acting locally. and we should be focussing on battery storage and localised distribution of Judith sees a lot happening across rooftop solar generation,” says Judith. Barwon South West, and she believes there is opportunity for better, regional Communities sharing information co-ordination. “There are a lot more and knowledge will be key and people worried about climate change, community groups like the Barwon and discussing it, than the authorities Heads Association are well placed to realise. The support for renewable lead and influence the conversation. energy is based on its promise to give Judith says, “I see multiple benefits households a cleaner and cheaper for our community. The potential energy source which will stop the for renewables to invigorate small rise in temperatures associated with businesses by reducing the cost of global warming. There is real support power bills is significant. Renewable for renewables but the community is energy generation development beginning to understand that their is essential and it needs to be effectiveness is limited by a power appropriately resourced.”

TRADITIONAL OWNER PERSPECTIVES ON RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT

Traditional owners have a continuing Legislative and policy drivers Melinda Kennedy, Manager Land connection to country and waters upholding the connection to Sea and Waters for Wathaurung that are being identified and country and waters are bound in the Aboriginal Corporation, says developed for renewable energy. Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Damein Bell, CEO Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Settlement Act are intrinsically linked to land, sea, Traditional Owners Aboriginal 2010, the Native Title Act 1993 and sky, all waters and all living beings, Corporation, says, “Traditional through the Environment Protection and therefore hold high respect and owners and their cultural heritage and Biodiversity Conservation responsibility to country. “Our country are bound to the land in both Act 1999 with national and world is being damaged long-term with physical and other intangible ways. heritage listings. Damein says, over development. Cultural heritage There needs to be an opportunity “Traditional owners understand lies all across our land and waterways, and process for cultural heritage the need to transition to renewable something which is not always protection and management energy generation sources. But the recognised. We wish for engagement to be considered as part of the impact of the industrialisation of the in all aspects of the process of development of renewable energy renewable energy sector must be planning, and any ongoing works with and other industrial installations. balanced with the maintenance and renewable development. Traditional Government planners and industry growth of healthy country for the owners must be present during developers must have appropriate community and the environment, these processes. Current planning cultural awareness, including including its ecologies of plants, processes do not include our stories training, from the outset of their animals and fish. Traditional owners and pathways and water and sky and feasibility investigations, so that require information and resources our creatures and we wish to protect recognition of country is part of to best understand and contribute them and move towards better all stages of the development to the renewable energy industry education in understanding this, to process.” across Barwon South West.” strengthen partnerships and work together for a healthy future.” 18

COMMUNITY DRIVEN RENEWABLE ENERGY

Barwon Region Alliance for energy education caravan is active Local community Community Energy (BRACE) is in Warrnambool and Port Fairy, and

energy groups share a network of community energy is now working with the regional a vision for the future groups whose purpose is to facilitate community there. Future ambitions in which everyone has cooperation and collaboration include supporting a campaign to access to affordable, among its members to support establish a network of Community reliable and 100 a wide range of local community Power Hubs across Victoria, energy percent renewable energy initiatives. Current members efficiency audit and upgrade services energy. include: 100% Clean Bellarine, for low income households, solar Anglesea Community Energy, gardens for renters, a peer-to-peer Barwon Sustainable Energy Alliance, energy trading platform, and micro- Community energy projects can help Birregurra Community Group, Colac grids for remote communities with people participate in the shift to Otway Sustainability Group, Geelong unreliable supply. renewable energy both at home and Sustainability, Southern Otways BRACE has identified a number in their community, bringing a range Sustainable and Surf Coast Energy of challenges and constraints to of benefits for everyone. Community Group. achieving this future, including the energy projects include bulk-buy BRACE members are passionate need to raise public understanding schemes which can help households about driving the transition to a and acceptance of renewable buy quality systems from trusted renewable energy future and has energy technologies and installers at lower prices. Community delivered a number of initiatives developments, improving rooftop donation and investment projects already. These include solar PV and solar PV installation standards, and can help local schools, organisations battery bulk-buy schemes and the ensuring that the energy transition and businesses install rooftop solar installation of rooftop solar power is just and fair. systems. Larger community owned systems on school and community renewable energy projects can help buildings. South West Community towns and regions produce more of Energy Incorporated’s renewable the energy they consume. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 19

_ CASE STUDY ANDY’S SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOCUS IS BLOOMING

When Andy Doeven was retrenched from his corporate job, he and his wife Debbie decided to buy a 20 acre block of blackberry infested land with a view to developing an energy self- sufficient flower growing operation.

With no background in electricity generation, farming (or flowers!), Andy set to work. Self-taught, and with plenty of initiative and ingenuity, Andy and Debbie’s property now runs on a mix of energy sources, including solar and wind, and battery storage. Andy also has a petrol generator, which is for backup use only.

Andy’s place has all the normal, modern conveniences, including TV and internet and he’s installed a roof sprinkling system on the house and shed fed by two small dams on the property. He collects water for domestic use from his roof and pumps it into a header tank using an electric pump on sunny days.

Andy estimates he has spent a few thousand dollars over the past 25 years on set up and maintenance of his property’s energy generation and storage solutions. Andy says, “This type of set up is well within everyone’s reach. I don’t see any constraints, and I don’t understand why more people aren’t pursing small-scale energy generation and behind-the-meter opportunities. There are systems available now, second hand, and they’re very affordable.”

Energy storage, via batteries, is key to Andy’s success. “Even on cloudy days we have electricity because of the behind-the-meter storage system.” 20

UNIQUELY POSITIONED FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURE

A combination of REGIONAL natural and built assets TRANSMISSION and infrastructure, an INFRASTRUCTURE engaged and active Large-scale generation development community, a skilled needs transmission capacity so the energy produced can be transported workforce, a first class to consumers. The more generators university and two TAFE connect in a particular area, the more institutions each with transmission network capacity is needed. multiple campuses, and Barwon South West has the benefit of a culture which is open a strategic high voltage, 500 kV to change sees Barwon transmission line. It links the Latrobe South West as uniquely Valley generators and the Geelong- Melbourne metropolitan area in the capable of delivering east (the state’s major electricity and capitalising on demand hub), the Portland Aluminium Smelter to the west (the largest the renewable energy individual consumer of electricity in transition. Victoria), and, further west, South Australia via the Heywood This section focuses on the interconnector. This interconnector is a infrastructure and manufacturing vital link for two-way trade of advantages of the region (the substantial amounts of electricity community culture and renewable between South Australia and Victoria. resources are described in other While this transmission infrastructure sections of this Roadmap) and gives was built originally for large transfers some case study examples of how of electricity from east to west, it now this region is open and committed to increasingly looks set to provide the making the most of its combination means to transport electricity in the of assets and experience. opposite direction.

Connecting to a 500 kV line is attractive for renewable generation developers, as their risks of not being able to maximise their plant’s capacity are lower than if they connected in more remote areas without access to a major transmission line like this. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 21

Transmission infrastructure and Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) of Barwon South West

500 kV transmission line

275 kV transmission line

220 kV transmission line

Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE

GLENELG SHIRE amilton

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG MOYNE SHIRE

ortlae eelong

Terang amperdown SURF olac COAST Toruay ortland Warrnambool CORANGAMITE SHIRE BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFFE COLAC WARRNAMBOOL OTWAY orne SHIRE

pollo Bay

That’s why the Australian Energy MANUFACTURING In this time, Barwon South West Market Operator (AEMO) identified manufacturers have demonstrated the region surrounding this RENEWABLE ENERGY significant capability, manufacturing a transmission line as one of the Manufacturing has been an important range of important renewable energy optimal zones for development of part of Barwon South West, and components. Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) particularly the towns of Geelong and But these communities know that in the National Electricity Market Portland. Both have built up expertise manufacturing is an extremely (NEM)8. According to AEMO’s and skills in value-adding to raw competitive sector. Without continual 2018 ISP, the existing transmission materials from our mining sector and investment to advance technological infrastructure could accommodate fabricating and assembling a range capabilities and maintain economies around 2,000 MW of new generation of metal products for the automotive of scale, factories ultimately capacity (some of which is already sector, defence, construction and get overtaken by international being built). homes. As a result it has an extensive competitors that do make these This transmission will allow the supply chain through well established investments. Barwon South West area to exploit businesses, including transport and Looking forward, manufacturers its renewable energy resources logistics. seek policy certainty to invest with to serve not just local needs for Over the past two decades, our confidence in the long-term outlook. electricity, but also major demand region has seen renewable energy Investment in new equipment, centres in Geelong and Melbourne booming globally and seized the technologies and skills is vital as well as greater Victoria, and via chance to build on its existing for manufacturers to achieve the interconnection to support other manufacturing capabilities to increase kind of scale and technological states in the NEM. employment in this growing industry. advancement that is critical to global competitiveness.

8 Page 48 of AEMO’s 2018 Integrated System Plan. The NEM covers New South Wales and the ACT, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. 22

_ CASE STUDY REVIVING THE OLD GEELONG FORD FACTORY TO ASSEMBLE WIND TURBINES

When the Berrybank and Dundonnell wind farms were selected as two of the winning bids under the Victorian Government’s renewable energy contracting tender, the turbine supplier to the projects – Vestas – agreed to establish a manufacturing operation in Victoria.

In partnership with Geelong-based Marand Precision Engineering, Vestas established a turbine assembly and testing centre and selected the former Ford motor engine factory as a suitable site.

Vestas Asia Pacific President, Clive Turton, observed that, “In Marand we are partnering with an experienced manufacturing service provider with outstanding capabilities and skilled personnel. Their experience in automotive, aerospace, defence and rail industries meets all of our requirements around quality and technical expertise.”

The revived plant will be used to assemble drivetrains and hubs – as well as test other wind turbine components that will ultimately be used for the Dundonnell and Berrybank Wind Farms. The centre will also form a logistics hub for equipment and servicing needs of wind farms.

The establishment of the Vestas centre is expected to deliver investment of around $3.5 million and directly employ more than 20 people. It will also form a training centre that will aim to skill-up hundreds of Victorians in wind turbine maintenance.

Vestas will also partner with Deakin University’s Carbon Nexus research centre which specialises in investigating ways to improve the use and reduce the cost of super strong and extremely light carbon fibre. This research collaboration will examine ways to make wind turbine blades longer, stronger, while keeping weight down and make them more effective in harnessing the energy within the wind.

t The Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria at the opening of the Vestas centre in Geelong. Photo: Vestas Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 23

_ CASE STUDY Over a decade and a half ago, According to Steve, a pivotal Australia produced almost all the element that provided the towers used for wind turbines in this confidence to expand employment WIND TURBINE country across several manufacturers. has been the Victorian Government’s Keppel Prince, based in Portland in target to expand renewable energy TOWER Barwon South West, has ridden the to 50 percent by 2030, and the fact roller coaster of Australia’s changing they’ve backed this with a process MANUFACTURING climate change and energy policies for awarding contracts to new IN PORTLAND and is now the only manufacturer wind power projects that requires remaining. minimum levels of local content.

Keppel Prince General Manager, Steve says the wind industry is always Steve Garner, oversees a plant that advancing, with towers growing began manufacturing wind turbine in size to exploit the use of longer towers in 2000, when Victoria’s first turbine blades which can extract private sector commercial wind farm greater amounts of energy from was established at Codrington. lower wind speeds. This creates opportunities, but also challenges, Right now the business is strong. With because the larger base required a total of 360 staff, it is the second for these taller towers necessitates largest private sector employer investment in larger manufacturing in Portland, not far behind the facilities – investments that only make aluminium smelter. Keppel Prince’s sense with confidence orders will tower manufacturing operation continue over the longer term. p Steve Garner, General Manager doubled its workforce in 2018, thanks of Keppel Prince, a wind turbine manufacturer in Portland Victoria to a surge in construction of new with the Minister for Energy, wind farms across Victoria. Environment and Climate Change the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio, MP. Photo: The Warrnambool Standard 24

RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION IN BARWON SOUTH WEST

As was reflected in the community’s feedback, the key sources of renewable energy generation in Barwon South West are wind and solar. Biomass is an emerging technology which is increasingly being harnessed in our region.

Barwon South West communities have an appetite for innovation and are keen to learn about, and if possible use new renewable energy generation sources, which may still be in their infancy. Over the years geothermal generation has been experimented with in Barwon South West, and with a world famous coastline, great knowledge and experience has been gained via various trials to harness the ocean’s energy. The most successful renewable energy generation technologies used now, and likely in the future in Barwon South West, are wind, solar and, increasingly, biomass and these are the focus of this section of the Roadmap.

t Macarthur Wind Farm Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 25

WIND

The Barwon South West region As a result of early concerns a broad In addition, the region has another possesses some of the highest policy change was introduced, five wind power projects currently quality wind resources that are close restricting wind farms from under construction, equal to 806 to robust transmission infrastructure. being built within two kilometres MW of capacity, and a further two of a dwelling, and excluding projects of 79 MW which have It is why it was a pioneering region development altogether in areas been contracted but are not yet in the development of wind power of Victoria considered to be a committed to construction. These in the country. Codrington Wind ‘protected landscape’, such as the projects are anticipated to produce Farm, located west of Port Fairy, Macedon Ranges. close to another three million was the first modern wind farm MWh of electricity per year – equal developed and built by the private Although the early 2010s saw a to 780,000 Victorian households’ sector in 2001. Codrington and the slowing of investment in wind in electricity consumption. This other “Portland Four” wind farms the region, Macarthur Wind Farm, exceeds the combined number of – Yambuk, Cape Bridgewater and connected in 2012, has stood for households across every region of Cape Nelson (south and north) and several years as Australia’s largest Victoria outside of metropolitan Cape Sir William Grant – were also wind farm by a substantial margin Melbourne. built in this period, and all are still (it has 420 MW of capacity with the operating today. next largest project being 270 MW). Projects that have been contracted or have entered construction since Across the mid-to-late 2000s, After 2014, and in the context of 2016 are providing substantial the trend of large-scale wind a new state government policy employment in Barwon South West farm development continued. supportive of renewable energy, a and across the rest of the country. A slew of permit applications number of new permit applications Once construction of all these was made, including Macarthur, came forward including Golden projects are complete they are Oaklands Hill (Glenthompson), Mt Plains and Dundonnell wind farms. estimated to have provided around Gellibrand, Moreton’s Lane, Salt A number of previously approved 2,000 job years of employment.9 Creek, Woolsthorpe, Ryan Corner, applications also moved to Hawkesdale, Mortlake South and construction stage. The combination of our region’s Berrybank. Of these, Macarthur, currently operating wind farms In 2017, the State Government Oaklands Hill, Mt Gellibrand, and those in construction and introduced its Victorian Renewable Morton’s Lane and Salt Creek are all contracted will produce around a Energy Target (VRET) legislation, operational. quarter of Victoria’s entire supplies and also set a target for greenhouse of renewable energy. In the Grampians region to the gas emission reduction across the north, the Waubra and Challicum state. The region currently has wind Hills wind farms were also approved farms in operation with a total of and constructed during this time. 698 MW of capacity. These projects The Waubra Wind Farm became the produce almost 1.9 million MWh focus of concern about noise and per annum. This is equal to the health impacts. average electricity consumption of 484,000 Victorian households – more than double the total number of households in the entire Barwon South West region.

9 ROAM Consulting/Ernst & Young research undertaken for the Clean Energy Council which estimated 0.1 FTEs per megawatt installed. ROAM Consulting (2014) Report of the Clean Energy Council – RET Policy Analysis 26

Wind farm development across Barwon South West

Operating Permit application lodged

Under construction EES in preparation

Approved (not operational) Pre-application (announced)

Oaklands Hill Hexam Mortons Lane Salt Creek amilton Berrybank Hawkesdale Dundonnell Kentbruck Mt Gellibrand Macarthur My Fyans ortlae Willatook eelong Terang Codrington Woolsthorpe amperdown olac Toruay ortland Portland Warrnambool Cape Bridgewater Inverleigh Yambuk Ryan Corner orne Portland Cape Nelson Portland Mortlake South Cape Sir William & Cape Nelson North Timboon pollo Bay West Ferguson

THE OUTLOOK FOR This is equal to the consumption projects proposed, and upgrades of almost 2.9 million Victorian would be required. Other important WIND households, and 24 percent of factors influencing whether projects In addition to the 698 MW of capacity Victoria’s overall annual electricity proceed include whether there is currently operating, the region consumption. sufficient local community support, when existing fossil fuel capacity has an additional 885 MW under Substantial employment would retires, and the potential addition construction or contracted, with a be created through construction of energy storage such as pumped further 3,644 MW of wind farm sites of these projects, equivalent to hydro and batteries to the wider grid. identified for development. On top around 4,700 full time jobs over of the 1,583 MW of wind power a two year construction period. Even if only half of the proposed projects that are operating, under Ongoing employment in the capacity proceeds, it would represent construction or contracted in Barwon operation and maintenance of the a substantial source of new power South West, another 3,644 MW of wind turbines would provide full supply and employment for Victoria wind farm sites have been identified time work for 360 people over the and Barwon South West. It would for development. 25 year life of these projects. also lead to a dramatic reduction in Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions, If all of these projects were able to Whether these projects ultimately which is vital given Victoria has one obtain sufficient transmission capacity proceed to construction will be of the most emission intensive power and proceeded to construction, determined by a complex array supplies in the developed world.10 they could be expected to produce of factors. The region’s current around 11.2 million MWh of electricity transmission infrastructure is a year. insufficient to support all of the

10 From the OECD’s website, at www.compareyourcountry.org/climate-policies Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 27

SHARING THE Yet benefits for other members of the It will also offer competitively priced community can and need to extend electricity contracts to regional BENEFITS OF WIND beyond the typical 12 to 24 month Victorian businesses and primary FARM DEVELOPMENT construction period for a wind farm. producers to reduce their energy costs and help these businesses to The reality is that wind farms are Since 2000 the Victorian Government continue to operate sustainably. Such very large and often very prominent has required all electricity generators, programs tend to be most successful structures in rural landscapes such as including wind farms, to pay an when their funding is directed by Barwon South West. While the land annual fee to the relevant council. the broader community, rather than holders who host the wind farms do The Payment in Lieu of Rates (PiLoR) the owner of the wind farm. Wind so voluntarily and are compensated scheme sets a minimum flagfall fee farms in the south west that have for the turbines placed on their land, of $40,000 per annum plus $900 per established community benefit the turbines can also represent a megawatt of capacity, adjusted for sharing funds include: visible change on the landscape for inflation. Actual payments under the remainder of the community. PiLoR are negotiated between the • Berrybank While Barwon South West has council and generator based on the $1.5m to support an initial the potential to play a vital role in suggested schedule. For example, 15 projects to 2021 and modernising and decarbonising Moyne Council will receive slightly $48,000 per annum on an Australia’s electricity supplies, it is more than $1.6 million per annum of ongoing basis. critical the residents surrounding payments from Dundonnell, Mortlake • Dundonnell these wind farms see benefits flowing South, Macarthur, Codrington, $50,000 per annum for a crisis into their own communities. Yambuk, Salt Creek and Morton’s accommodation program and Lane wind farms. mini-grid project. Often other members of the community benefit from the fact It is now common practice for • Mortlake South that wind farms create a significant wind farm owners to also establish $120,000 for sponsorship economic stimulus during the community benefits sharing programs program commencing nine construction period. To maximise that provide a pool of funding to years prior to construction, the benefits to local communities support activities, services and Neighourhood Benefits Card and it is critical that developers put in facilities valued by the community $20,000 per annum on an ongoing place processes to deliberately seek near the wind farm. For example, basis. out local contractors and labour the Mortlake South Wind Farm’s • Macarthur to undertake construction, which Neighbourhood Benefit Program $64,000 per annum. includes a proximity payment of up thankfully many already do. • Morton’s Lane to $180,000 per annum to be shared There are opportunities to build $10,000 per annum. by people who live (own or rent) community support in other ways, • Salt Creek within a certain distance of a wind such as ensuring local service $40,000 per annum. turbine generator via a pre-loaded businesses (such as food and EFTPOS card. This card can be used • Pacific Hydro’s South West accommodation providers) capture to purchase goods and services at Projects extra earnings housing and feeding participating businesses in Mortlake, $1.2m allocated since 2005. wind farm construction workers, Noorat or Terang. Dundonnell Wind • Oaklands Hil or by assisting community service Farm’s Community mini-grid project $53,000 per annum. organisations. Developers can will subsidise the installation of solar identify these opportunities by • Mt Gellibrand and battery storage systems for listening to local people. $80,000 per annum. dwellings in proximity to the project. 28

_ CASE STUDY Pacific Hydro was one of the original Friends of St Brigid’s Association’s pioneers of wind farm development Teresa O’Brien says, “Pacific Hydro in the south west, constructing the understands what it means to work PACIFIC HYDRO Codrington Wind Farm in 2001. This alongside the community, support was followed by Yambuk in 2005 our dreams and ideas and engage SUPPORTING and ultimately the four stages of the in a meaningful way for the long- Portland Wind Farm. term. With their help, St Brigid’s is LOCAL now a vibrant local heartbeat in our Pacific Hydro’s Great South West area – a place where we can meet COMMUNITIES Sustainable Communities Fund gives to celebrate and share our local a portion of the revenue from local strengths, including music, art and FOR THE LONG wind farms back to the community dance.” HAUL each year, for the life of the wind farms. Eligible community groups and This year, the Fund also supported not-for-profit organisations can apply the installation of solar panels at for project funding of up to $10,000 St Brigid’s, ensuring the building’s annually from a pool of $183,000. sustainability now and for future Since 2005, the Fund has provided generations. $1.8 million to more than 380 local sustainable projects in the region.

One of these projects is the refit of the previously disused St Brigid’s Church into a performing arts venue, a men’s shed and a place for locals to q Friends of St Brigid's Association gather, share, learn and interact with each other. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 29

_ Salt Creek Wind Farm Unlike mining developments, CASE STUDY farmers have full legal control over Peter Coy’s family have grazed sheep whether to allow renewable energy for generations in the Victorian projects to proceed on their land. HARVESTING western districts, including at their Salt THE WIND – Creek property around 18 kilometres According to the NSW Farmers north of Mortlake. The property has Federation, the approximate A NEW CROP a ridge running north south, 200-300 annual lease payment for hosting feet above the surrounding country, wind turbines is around $5,000 per FOR WESTERN making it a perfect wind farm site. megawatt of capacity. Although, this can vary depending on a Between June 2017 and July 2018 DISTRICTS number of factors associated with that stony ridge line was converted the desirability of the site for wind FARMERS into a power station, with 15 wind farm development, the levels of turbines installed along it and with competition between developers the merino sheep continuing to graze for suitable sites and ultimately the happily around the turbines. These financial attractiveness of pursuing turbines are expected to produce renewable energy projects. 172,000 MWh of electricity per annum – equivalent to the annual electricity For a number of farmers around consumption of 44,500 Victorian Australia these leasehold payments homes. have been a vital shot in the arm, providing a secure source of revenue Harvesting the wind has provided a that is independent of the vagaries secure source of additional revenue of the weather and agricultural for the Salt Creek farm that has commodity prices. The benefits of drought proofed the property. At this extra revenue flow beyond the the same time the turbines take up farms hosting the project. The lease minimal land and allowed sheep payments often allow farmers to grazing to continue with little change. invest in upgrades and repairs to their Peter jokes that while the rain can farms that expand employment and vary a lot from year to year, not a also lead to increased expenditure in p Peter Coy and his dog Claire at their Salt Creek property. month passes by when it’s not windy local shops and businesses. Photo: Emily Wilson at Salt Creek. 30

SOLAR

Solar has proven to be a highly At present the region hosts close to popular option for residents in 140,000 kW or 140 MW of capacity Barwon South West to manage their on rooftops – mainly households. electricity costs and help reduce Around 17.1 percent of households greenhouse gas emissions, despite within Barwon South West have a our region having a lower level of solar system with this peaking at 21.4 solar resource compared with more percent in the Surf Coast Shire. northerly locales such as Mildura These systems would be expected and the Wimmera. Many homes to produce around 168,000 MWh of and small-to-medium sized business electricity per year, which is equal to have installed panels on their the electricity consumption of 43,000 rooftops to lower their energy bills. Victorian households, or enough to And there remains considerable meet the needs of all households potential for growth in the use of the across Torquay, Warrnambool and technology. Colac combined.

Solar capacity installed by shire

90,000

80,000

70,000

60,000

50,000

40,000 Kilowatts

30,000

20,000

10,000 Moyne Glenelg Surf Coast Queenscliffe Colac Otway Corangamite Warrnambool Greater Geelong Greater Southern Grampians Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 31

Proportion of households with solar – Barwon South West Council areas compared

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5% Proportion of households with solar Proportion Moira Indigo Moyne Towong Glenelg Surf Coast SA average Strathbogie Queenscliffe QLD average Colac Otway Mt Alexander Corangamite Warrnambool Greater Geelong Greater Southern Grampians

With ongoing cost reductions Detailed studies on what could be Victoria has the advantage that likely, solar will become one of the accommodated by the electricity its smart meters provide some cheapest options for new power network with limited additional excellent data, which allows highly supply and the appetite for the investment haven’t been published, detailed analysis on whether community to install solar will but distribution networks across further solar capacity can be remain strong. Given these factors many parts of Australia manage absorbed. Potentially, anonymised it is important that we use the best levels of solar PV penetration vastly smart meter data could be made available information to maximise greater than what currently exists in available to researchers and other the use of solar while minimising Barwon South West, indicating that stakeholders that are independent additional expenditure on the the region has room to take even of commercial interests, to evaluate network and maintaining its safety greater advantage of solar. emerging constraints and whether and reliability. these relate to increased solar As an illustration of what’s possible, uptake or other factors. This might There is room for rooftop solar to the Victorian rural and regional include Deakin University’s micro- meet a far greater proportion of shires of Indigo, Towong, Moira, grid research hub and the newly the region’s electricity needs. Aerial Strathbogie and Mount Alexander established Centre for New Energy imagery analysis of roof space all have rates of solar installation Technologies at Monash University. undertaken by the University of NSW exceeding 30 percent of households. Such data could also reveal other and University of Technology Sydney Yet even these kinds of rates of solar insights about how we might better indicates that there is enough ownership are the norm in other manage the electricity system to suitable roof space in Barwon South parts of Australia. The chart above reduce costs, improve reliability West, including on large industrial shows the proportion of dwellings and reduce carbon pollution, as estates in Geelong, Portland, with solar in each council area within well as improving transparency and Warrnambool, Colac and Hamilton, the Barwon South West region in increasing community trust about to accommodate 3,526 MW of blue. These have plenty of room to our power system. solar power. This would produce grow before getting close to the 4.4 million MWh per annum – more levels achieved in the leading local power than the consumption of a government areas of Victoria (dark million Victorian households. blue) or even just the average level achieved across the states of South Australia and Queensland (orange). 32

_ Barwon Water has recognised the It now comprises around 8,100 solar challenges of climate change and panels, generating over 4,400 MWh CASE STUDY with its Strategy 2030 targets of of renewable energy and avoiding 100 percent renewable electricity up to 4,500 tonnes of greenhouse and zero net emissions, is taking emissions each year. SOLAR POWERED significant steps now to plan for a Barwon Water’s other initiatives carbon constrained future. INDUSTRIAL include a 300 kW solar array and Barwon Water’s largest energy using 180 kVA/200 kWh battery installation ENERGY AT site hosts the first megawatt-scale, at the Wurdee Boluc Water BARWON WATER ground-mounted solar array in Treatment Plant, a 250 kW solar southern Victoria. The Black Rock array at Torquay and an innovative Water Reclamation Plant treats waste energy biogrid (WEB) concept sewage from over 265,000 people at Colac. Leveraging the collective and businesses, and now has around buying power of Victorian water 35 percent of its annual electricity corporations, Barwon Water is a use supplied by renewable energy founding member of Zero Emissions from the on-site Black Rock Solar Water, a consortium of 13 Victorian Farm. water corporations who have entered into a Power Purchase Agreement Barwon Water expanded Black Rock (PPA) sourcing around 78 GWh per Solar Farm’s initial 1 MW capacity annum from the Kiamal solar farm in (established January 2018) to 3 MW p Barwon Water staff at the site of north west Victoria. the Black Rock Solar Farm in 2019. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 33

_ Inspired by the 2019 film 2040, which The most compelling part of the focuses on solutions to climate students’ vision was their intent to CASE STUDY change, the students at Barwon use energy generated to “connect Heads Primary School (BHPS) the town” by powering other decided to take action. They were community buildings, with a longer- BARWON HEADS particularly moved by Bangladesh’s term view of sharing power amongst PRIMARY SCHOOL solar power generation and electricity other residents with panels. The sharing as covered in the film, a poor students envisioned using savings STUDENTS country achieving so much, and it gathered from BHPS generating made them ask “what can we do?” some of its own electricity to build an ENERGY outdoor science classroom including A group of BHPS students an anaerobic digester to use up INNOVATION approached the local Bendigo Bank food waste from the school and to see if they could take part in community. This idea is an evolution the Bank’s “local legacy” program, of the school’s existing “Waste supporting projects which leave a Wednesday” program where anyone lasting, positive legacy for the Barwon from the community can deliver food Heads community. scraps to be used in the school’s The students joined forces with compost. local clean energy group 100% The Board of the Barwon Heads Clean Bellarine, and industry partner branch of the Bendigo Bank agreed Mondo, to develop a compelling to fund a 70 kW solar system for the case for why a solar system powering school, comprising 226 panels and their school would be a positive generating over 100,000 kWh annually. move. They investigated solar panels This system will supply the school with as a generation source, learning more all its energy, leaving it free to about how the panels work, including re-allocate about $23,000 worth of their potential and limitations. q Barwon Heads Primary School funds previously spent on electricity. students at the school's garden 34

BIOENERGY

Bioenergy is a widely used source consider the potential of biomass applications, much of it is burned in of renewable energy globally and for greenhouse gas mitigation, the the paddocks and could be redirected while still relatively niche in Victoria, diverse range of sources and the to bioenergy facilities. Barwon South West is well positioned coordination and planning required to There are currently few uses for to take advantage of this technology’s process and deliver those resources to animal effluent in the region of which emergence. Bioenergy involves the energy conversion plant. an estimated 165,000 tonnes are creating energy from biomass, often Within Barwon South West there are generated from dairy cows, cattle and in the form of waste products – like existing bioenergy operations at Colac pigs (2015/16 estimates). Food waste straw, timber residues, agricultural and Warrnambool. resources which cannot be used for residues, paper sludge and hulls human or animal consumption are and shells left over from processing There is further opportunity to another possible source of energy food such as almonds and oats. The deploy bioenergy solutions further, using biomass technology. Bioenergy extremely varied nature of biomass, throughout the region. The benefits generation can complement wind and the many routes possible for of bioenergy are in its diverse and solar generation, providing converting the biomass resource to application, use of waste resources, continuous supply where the others energy, makes this area of renewable distribution of supply and diversifying are intermittent and supporting energy a complex one. Biomass a business’ operations, increasing its commercial and industrial hubs within can be transformed into both heat resilience to economic pressures and proximity to biomass resources. and electricity simultaneously, into circumstantial changes. Bioenergy can This is significant, because the cost transport fuels and at a smaller, also reduce demand on the gas grid to transport waste to the energy domestic scale, biomass also has and ultimately could become a part conversion facility plays a part in the good potential as a fuel for micro- of the strategy to decarbonise the gas economic viability of any proposed turbines and fuel cells. network. project. Importantly, bioenergy can The upcoming Circular Economy In and around Barwon South West contribute to decarbonising other Policy expected from Victoria’s there are plenty of raw materials such sectors of the economy such as the Department of Environment, Land, as plantation residues, and while gas grid, transport and agriculture. Water and Planning (DELWP) will straw has a number of other practical

Barwon South West organics infrastructure (less wastewater treatment facilities)

Bioenergy facility

Compost facility

Landfill facility 35

Biomass residue estimates

GLENELG SHIRE COLAC OTWAY SHIRE

Plantation residues Straw/chaff ≈ 350,000 t ≈ 22,000 t

Sawmill residues Dairy manure/effluent ≈ 165,000 t ≈ 22,000 t

Straw/chaff Plantation residues ≈ 75,000 t ≈ 17,500 t

SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE SURF COAST SHIRE

Plantation residues Straw/chaff ≈ 17,000 t ≈ 41,000 t

Straw/chaff Plantation residues ≈ 5,000 t ≈ 7,200 t

C&I paper and cardboard C&I other organics ≈ 2,000 t ≈ 6,300 t

MOYNE SHIRE CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

Plantation residues C&I other organics ≈ 42,000 t ≈ 30,000 t

Dairy manure/effluent Straw/chaff ≈ 165,000 t ≈ 23,000 t

Straw/chaff Poultry litter ≈ 8,000 t ≈ 12,000 t

CORANGAMITE SHIRE

Straw/chaff ≈ 230,000 t

Dairy manure/effluent ≈ 95,000 t

Plantation residues ≈ 18,000 t 36

REGIONAL COLLABORATION FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURE

Achieving these community goals and priorities will require communication, collaboration and trust between the key parties. It will also require a clear, shared purpose and a willingness to embrace the change required for planned innovation and development.

There are a number of examples already in the renewable energy space within Barwon South West which are further evidence that our region is prepared to find tangible ways to work together to meet today’s challenges, and those in the future. For example, the Port Fairy Smart Energy Precinct is an innovative partnership between government, business and community and is fostering collaboration on the most ambitious micro-grid in Victoria, with significant regional benefits. Wannon Water’s Portland Wind Turbine is the first wind turbine constructed for an Australian water utility, and has made Portland the first city in Australia to reach net-zero emissions for its water and wastewater network. Some other examples are covered in the following case studies. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 37

_ CASE STUDY The Colac Waste to Energy Biogrid The WEB has three key drivers: (WEB) is a multi-phased project which • To produce renewable energy and sees a unique partnership between associated emissions reduction COLAC WEB local utility Barwon Water, and key to help Barwon Water meet its industrial customers Australian Lamb strategy 2030 targets. – WASTE TO Company (ALC) and Bulla Dairy • To reduce local businesses’ Foods, to convert industrial waste operating costs and reinvest REGIONAL into renewable energy. The project these savings in job creation and is an Australian first, and the energy ECONOMIC improved productivity. created will be shared between the • To increase waste and energy SECURITY AND businesses involved, via heat and the security for Barwon Water, ALC transfer of hot water. The Colac WEB and Bulla Dairy Foods. PROSPERITY will reduce the businesses’ collective reliance on grid electricity and natural The WEB participants are confident of gas, significantly reducing their carbon achieving these outcomes. The project footprint. While this is an outstanding is currently at stage one which involves achievement in itself, the technical converting high strength waste from innovation, collaboration skills and the industrial partners into renewable co-operation between a local utility energy via a biogas cogeneration and industries, for a shared, positive facility at the Colac Water Reclamation outcome demonstrates a “can-do” plant. Stage two will look at options to attitude and tangible willingness to convert waste biomass residues into work together for a greater good. renewable energy.

Financial benefits from the WEB Aside from the significant, measurable will be shared between Barwon positive environmental impacts of the Water (and passed on to its 320,000 Colac WEB, the project showcases customers) and the project partners, the value of strategic partnerships ALC and Bulla Dairy Foods. The 8,000 between local industries and a local tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided by utility in addressing waste disposal the project will contribute to Barwon and energy security challenges, which Water’s zero net emissions target, can be replicated by others. while ALC and Bulla Dairy Foods will be able to offer future security to their 1,100 employees.

THE WEB MODEL

Symbiotic cycle where industrial waste, that is currently diverted away from sewer, is utilised to generate dispatchable renewable energy to reduce the collective grid demand of the businesses involved in the WEB. Energy is returned to the businesses via a hot water network and returned to the electricity grid to offset demand. 38

_ CASE STUDY COUNCILS’ POWERFUL COLLECTIVE APPROACH TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

In the largest ever emissions reduction project undertaken by local government in Australia, 48 councils across Victoria – including many from the Barwon South West region – have joined together to form Australia’s largest ever renewable energy buying group, as they make the switch to 100 percent renewable energy.

Participating councils will use their combined buying power to secure 100 percent renewable (solar/wind) electricity via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The proposed PPA will start in 2019/20 (with each council switching as their existing electricity contract expires) and will run for up to 10 years, helping drive investment in renewable energy for Victoria.

The PPA will represent about 45 percent of all Victorian council electricity consumption – a pool of some 250 GWh of electricity – while well over half the state’s councils have joined up.

Participating councils will use the renewable energy to power municipal offices, leisure centres, streetlights and community buildings. The emissions reductions will be the equivalent of powering 47,000 homes with renewable energy, or taking 87,000 cars off the road each year. Councils are also aiming to secure financial savings and long-term certainty with these energy supply contracts.

The project was initiated and facilitated by the Victorian Greenhouse Alliances (local council networks) and Darebin City Council, with support from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). MAV is undertaking the tender process and will oversee ongoing contract management. Barwon South West Renewable Energy Roadmap 39

_ Deakin University has established a The hub also includes a research, CASE STUDY large solar and battery micro-grid teaching and visualisation centre research hub at its Waurn Ponds in Deakin’s Centre for Advanced DEAKIN campus in Geelong. The hub will Design in Engineering Training assist Deakin to achieve its aspiration (CADET) building. The Centre will UNIVERSITY to be carbon neutral by 2030. showcase the system for industry and community education and awareness The micro-grid incorporates a 7 MW MICRO-GRID and create a focus on teaching, solar farm (located on 14.5 hectares research and training for the next of farmland at the rear of the campus) generation of energy professionals. in conjunction with several smaller rooftop solar systems and a 1 MW The micro-grid research hub is a battery storage system. The overall collaboration with the Victorian micro-grid is expected to supply electricity network company around 54 percent of the Waurn AusNet Services and its subsidiary Ponds campus’ current power Mondo Power. The micro-grid will consumption and reduce about see researchers develop and test 12,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas technologies that will enable greater emissions at the campus each year. use of renewable energy within our electricity system while maintaining reliability and reducing costs. 40

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION

Barwon South West’s Our communities across Barwon energy generation and development, South West are committed to a and our potential contribution for the natural and man- renewable energy generation future, future. and are acting now to help deliver made advantages, Our communities are saying they it – for the region and for Victoria. and our community’s want decision-makers to support This Roadmap covers a wide range and listen to them, to understand readiness to seize of regional stakeholders, ideas, their experience and point of view opinions, examples and challenges, the opportunities and ensure that while the region’s and is by no means the beginning natural assets are harnessed, any and economic uplift or the end of our conversation and future innovation or large-scale transition to renewables. People available in the development is considered and from our region from all walks of life continuing transition planned strategically, executed are coming together with a shared, equitably and benefits are shared to renewable energy common purpose of reducing the within the region. in Victoria, Australia impact of climate change, and creating a better future. Working together with developers, and globally, make regulators and governments for To build on our existing tradition and our region an optimal mutual benefit, our region is ready culture of innovation and readiness to build quickly on our strong place for investment for change, our communities want to foundations. and collaboration ensure that governments, regulators and industry work with them, and for the future of the understand Barwon South West’s q Barwon Heads Primary School energy industry. significant experience in renewable student Chloe Pannekoecke Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, inscribed on the World Heritage List in July 2019