Farmers fight battery storage proposals on agricultural land
Farmers in Gippsland are opposing proposals for battery energy storage systems on agricultural land. The local council has also expressed its disapproval, urging the state government to consider alternative sites. The companies involved argue that these systems are necessary to support the energy grid as coal-fired power stations are phased out.
- ▪Three battery energy storage systems are proposed for farmland in Baw Baw Shire, Gippsland.
- ▪The local council is opposed to the proposals and has requested alternative sites that do not impact agricultural land.
- ▪A petition against the projects has gathered around 6,000 signatures due to concerns over environmental risks and community safety.
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Gippsland farmers push back against Samsung, ZEBRE battery storage on agricultural landBy Danielle KutchelABC GippslandTopic:Renewable EnergyMon 25 May 2026 at 7:18amMon 25 May 2026 at 7:18amMon 25 May 2026 at 7:18amJames Faithful wants planning approval denied for battery energy storage systems on farmland in west Gippsland. (ABC News: Danielle Kutchel)In short:Three battery energy storage systems (BESS) are proposed for farmland in Baw Baw Shire in west Gippsland.The companies proposing the BESSs say the extra electricity will be needed when Victoria's coal-fired power stations are shut down.What's next?Victoria's planning minister is assessing the proposals but the local council is opposed.abc.net.au/news/baw-baw-battery-energy-storage-system-samsung-farmers-protest/106691906Link…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).