Council objects to second BESS proposal in Dederang

You can find a copy of the letter below.

Dear Minister

Planning Application PA2403346 – Kiewa Valley BESS – 1402 & 1452 Yackandandah – Dederang Road, Dederang

I refer to the above-mentioned application for the use and development of the land for a utility installation (Battery Energy Storage System), removal of native vegetation, development of signage and ancillary buildings and works on the land known as 1402 and 1452 Yackandandah – Dederang Road, Dederang.

Council was given notice of the application under section 52(1)(b) of the Act by the Department on 4 April 2025.  

The application was presented to Council to determine a position on the proposal, at the Council Meeting held on 27 May 2025.
At this meeting, Council determined to object to the proposal on the following grounds:

1. Insufficient information has been provided with the application to make an informed and complete assessment as to the potential impact the proposed use and development may have on the visual landscape and natural environment.
2. The development will cause a detrimental visual intrusion on the significant Kiewa Valley landscape as a consequence of its scale and siting in an elevated area of the property which is inconsistent with Clause 02.03-2 - Environmental and landscape values’ and ‘Landscapes’ of the Municipal Strategy; Clause 12.05 - ‘Significant environments and landscapes’ and Clause 12.05-2S – ‘Landscapes' of the Planning Policy Framework; and purpose and objectives of Clause 42.03 - Significant Landscape Overlay. 
3. The proposal fails to provide justification to the siting of the development proximate to the Bushfire Management Overlay or articulate how bushfire risk will be mitigated and managed both internally to and externally to the site, contrary to Clause 02.03-3 - ‘Environmental risk and amenity’ of the Municipal Planning Strategy and Clause 13.02-1S –‘Bushfire planning’ of the Planning Policy Framework.  

At this meeting Council also resolved that should the Minister for Planning approve the development that specific conditions are included on any planning permit issued. These conditions relate to: Bushfire Risk, Environmental Management, External Materials, Lighting and Decommissioning. 

These proposed conditions are provided in the attachment to this correspondence.  

If you would like any further information, please contact Rebecca Mouy, Manager Regulatory Service, by email rebeccam@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or by calling 03 5755 0555.

Yours sincerely,
Cr. Sarah Nicholas Mayor