19Minister may declare renewable energy zones

19 Minister may declare renewable energy zones

19 Minister may declare renewable energy zones

(1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare a renewable energy zone comprising—

(a) a specified geographical area of the State, and

(b) specified generation, storage or network infrastructure, including planned or existing infrastructure.

(2) The network infrastructure that forms part of a renewable energy zone may extend outside the geographical area specified in the declaration.

(3) A declaration must also include the following—

(a) a map showing the geographical area,

(b) the intended network capacity for network infrastructure in the renewable energy zone,

(c) the infrastructure planner appointed by the Minister for the renewable energy zone or part of the renewable energy zone,

(d) other matters prescribed by the regulations.

(4) The Minister may make a declaration only if the Minister—

(a) is satisfied that it is consistent with the objects of this Act, and

(b) has considered the following—

(i) existing network infrastructure in the renewable energy zone and the rest of the State,

(ii) land use planning, environmental and heritage matters,

(iii) the views of the local community in the renewable energy zone,

(iv) other matters prescribed by the regulations.

(5) A declaration is to be published on the Department’s website.

s 19: Am 2025 No 80, Sch 1[5].