Emission-free opportunities

Development leaders are confident a new renewable-energy blueprint for much of western Victoria will increase the Wimmera-mallee’s ability to gain a competitive edge across the state.

Wimmera Development Association chief executive Chris Sounness said a Roadmap to Zero Emissions for the Grampians Region, R2Z, would enhance the region’s ability ‘to do business’ into the future.

He said R2Z, released by Grampians New Energy Taskforce, GNET, provided a clear picture of what energy projects would have ‘the biggest bang for buck’, while at the same time ticked landscape-scale environmental boxes.

“Importantly R2Z is about setting in place a zero-emissions pathway that makes sense for the region – financially, socially and environmentally,” Mr Sounness said.

“Much work has gone into this and it really does show how we can lower our emissions in a way that allows our region to thrive and grow.

“It’s about moving along a pathway to turn opportunities into reality. We’ve spoken a lot about the potential of using renewable energy and how our region fits in perfectly with the scenario. This roadmap supports where we want to go in the region and highlights ways our regional priorities can come alive.”