The Victorian Government will fast track applications for new solar stations in regional Victoria, in response to the recent announcement to increase Victoria's electricity supply from solar power to 5 per cent by 2020.
"This commitment to a sustainable future for Victoria should see the establishment of between five and 10 large solar plants across regional Victoria," says Victorian Premier John Brumby.
"In order to achieve our target as early as possible, the Government will fast track the approval processes and make land available at strategic locations across the state to assist with development."
Brumby has had asked Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan to assess government and municipal owned land that could be suitable for solar developments.
"State and local governments have significant land holdings that may be suitable for solar developments," he says.
"Making this land available will speed up developments and bring on more solar power faster."
As part of the fast tracking process, Brumby also announced that government land at Nowingi, near Mildura, would be made available for a new solar facility, subject to developer interest and community support.
The new solar target and the measures announced to fast track approvals for new developments formed part of the Victorian Government's Climate Change White Paper, to be released soon.
