Mildura Council Urges REZ Status for Renewables
Mildura Rural City Council is turning up the heat on the Victorian Government after the region labelled the solar capital of Australia was excluded from VicGrid’s draft Regional Energy Zone (REZ) framework.
MRCC has made a submission to VicGrid, calling to be reinstated to the list after being removed from the current plan, highlighting Mildura’s unmatched solar resources, strong community support, and more than $1.5 billion in approved renewable projects – making it a clear candidate for REZ status.
“It is a no-brainer,” Mildura Mayor Helen Healy said.
“Mildura is proud to be known as the Solar Capital of Australia, and our community has shown overwhelming support for a clean energy future.
“So it is baffling that this region would be excluded from the draft REZ framework, risking investment and undermining our contribution to the state’s net zero ambitions, but we’d hope the decision will be quickly corrected.”
Council’s submission outlines that Mildura receives some of the highest solar irradiation levels in Australia – averaging 5.17 kWh/m²/day – and has already approved over 800 MW of commercial solar PV and 320 MWh of battery storage.
It also highlighted that MRCC has recently reached a major milestone of over 1 megawatt of solar PV across Council-owned buildings and facilities with the recent installation of a 180 kilowatt solar PV system at the Red Cliffs Early Years Hub.
“Mildura is already doing the work,” Cr Healy said. “What’s missing is the infrastructure certainty and formal recognition that comes with REZ designation.
“REZ designation would unlock our full renewable energy potential, support job creation, attract investment and ensure we play a major role in Victoria’s clean energy future.”
Council’s submission to VicGrid demonstrates its alignment with all key Victorian Transmission Plan assessment criteria, including strategic land use, low environmental constraints, and regional development potential.
Key advantages include:
The region’s economic modelling shows the potential for 2,880 construction jobs and 352 ongoing operational roles, while powering over 240,000 homes and generating an estimated $81 million annually.
https://www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Latest-News/Mildura’s-Renewable-Energy-Future-Council-Calls-for-REZ-Designation