Victoria has taken a step forward in its energy transition, unveiling draft orders for five onshore renewable energy zones (REZs) and one shoreline zone to guide the state’s future clean-power infrastructure.
The zones cover the Western, Central Highlands, Gippsland, North-West and South-West regions, while the Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone focuses specifically on where offshore wind cables will land.
The Energy and Resources Minister has opened public consultation on these draft orders, with feedback now being accepted until 22 February 2026 via the Engage Victoria website. Over weeks of technical work, VicGrid has engaged closely with communities, landholders, Traditional Owners and industry, listening to concerns and adjusting proposals accordingly.
The orders include detailed maps, proposed transmission projects and the hosting capacity for each zone — essentially how much solar, wind and battery infrastructure the network could support. They also require future developers to meet government standards for community engagement, deliver social benefits and create economic opportunities in regional Victoria.
VicGrid’s Chief Executive, Alistair Parker, said that coordinating development through REZs offers greater certainty, minimises impacts and keeps down costs.
“Coal-fired power stations are becoming unreliable and closing down and the cheapest option to replace them is solar and wind generation backed by storage and transmission infrastructure,” he said.
“This is a big change that has the potential to leave a lasting legacy for regional and rural Victoria if it’s well managed and planned.
“Renewable energy zones will play a key role in helping us coordinate the energy transition and ensure that local communities see real benefits and are treated with respect.”
Feedback received during the consultation period will be reviewed and used to refine zone boundaries or other aspects of the proposals. After that, the Minister will decide whether to formally declare the five onshore zones.
Meanwhile, VicGrid has signalled that further consultation is coming: the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan proposed an additional “Central North” REZ, and more information on this zone will be released in early 2026.