Community members are invited to have their say on the proposed Kiewa Valley Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project (formally known as the Trina BESS), with the planning application now open for public comment.
The application is being assessed by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) as the responsible authority for the project. Alpine Shire Council is not the decision-maker in this process.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Sarah Nicholas, encouraged residents to take the time to review the proposal and make a submission to DTP.
“We know the BESS proposals in Dederang have generated a lot of community interest, particularly around their location and potential impacts,” she said.
“As with the previous proposal, this is once again an opportunity to have your say. Council is not the authority assessing this application, so providing your feedback to the Department is vital.
Submissions can be made via the Department’s planning portal by visiting: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-approvals/ministerial-permits-register/ministerial-permits/a253705a-04a3-ef11-8a69-000d3ad1b913
“However, we are also keen to understand the views of our community – so we invite you to send us a copy of your submission to help inform future advocacy and conversations.”
Community members are also encouraged to send a copy of their submission to info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au for Council’s consideration.
To accommodate the strong local interest, the Council Meeting will once again be relocated to the Mount Beauty Community Centre in May, with Council to consider a recommendation for the submission.
“Holding the meeting in Mount Beauty makes it easier for more residents to attend in person,” Cr Nicholas said.
"As the May meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Myrtleford, we will now be moving the June Ordinary Council Meeting to Myrtleford."
In addition, Council will host three sessions on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 for community members to speak with Councillors, and share their views on the BESS proposal:
📍Mount Beauty | 10.30am – 12.30pm | Mount Beauty Senior Citizens Centre
📍Dederang | 2pm – 4pm | Multi-Purpose Building, Dederang Recreation Reserve
📍Bright | 6.30pm – 7.30pm | Bright Committee Room, Bright Council Office
“These conversations matter,” Cr Nicholas said.
“Whether you’re for or against the proposal – or simply have questions – we want to hear from you."
Sessions will be available via bookings online, which are available online now at: https://events.humanitix.com/host/alpine-shire-council
You can also book by calling our Customer Service team on (03) 5755 0555.
Sessions are limited, so please book in quickly to avoid missing out.