Meadow Creek Solar Farm statement from Mayor Irene Grant

Published on 06 November 2025

“The solar factory will have a significant impact on agriculture, tourism, the environment, in particular as a water catchment, and of course the social fabric of the local farming and business community.

There were more than 500 submissions against the project, including a formal objection from the Rural City of Wangaratta on the grounds that the proposed 576-hectare development is not supported by the Wangaratta Planning Scheme. What is worse, the Rural City of Wangaratta does not have appeal rights to VCAT; these were removed by the state government to help fast-track developer-driven projects.

The community around Meadow Creek have been frustrated in their efforts to convey the significant impacts this development will have on their beautiful valley - the Minister for Planning did not even extend the community the courtesy of visiting the site to see what impact the project would have. Despite numerous invitations. The silence from Spring Street has been deafening.

What is also frustrating is that this project is not even guaranteed to keep the 'lights on' - the power generated will be intermittent at best- and the transmission is not even in place to deliver the power where it needs to be. It is obvious the State Government is prepared to sacrifice the beautiful King Valley and the North East of Victoria for some very dubious renewable targets.”

- Mayor Irene Grant