Changes to the planning scheme for wind farms announced by the Victorian Government will cut red tape and help to attract investment to the state, the Clean Energy Council said.
Clean Energy Council Policy Director Russell Marsh said Australia's national Renewable Energy Target would generate approximately $10 billion in investment and more than 6500 jobs over the next five years in large-scale renewable energy such as wind farms.
"This obviously represents a big opportunity for the state's economy, which is not lost on the Victorian Government," Mr Marsh said.
"The changes announced by Planning Minister Richard Wynne today will save time and money for the government, and for the companies building wind farms. This will ultimately translate to lower power prices for consumers.
"It is great to see Victoria open for clean energy business."
Mr Marsh said Australia already had some of the strictest standards for wind farms in the world, and the same checks and balances would continue to apply for noise, environmental protection and engagement with the local community.
"The changes simply mean a more streamlined process and a central point of contact which will make everything much easier and reduce the burden on regional councils which may not have the resources to manage a wind farm," he said.
