Community and Consultation
Our Commitment
We are engaging before any planning application is lodged because we believe the community deserves to be informed and involved from the start, not after decisions have been made.
Our engagement program during the planning phase aims to:
Provide clear and timely information.
Listen to community feedback.
Answer questions openly and transparently.
Understand local knowledge and values.
Incorporate feedback where appropriate.
Throughout August and September, we will be meeting directly with neighbours, the community and key stakeholders to provide detailed information and receive feedback.
A summary of engagement activities – including feedback received and how it has influenced the project – will be formally recorded and be documented in the Planning Application
Engagement will continue through the planning, construction, and operational phases.
Upcoming Events and Engagement
Middle Hut BESS Community Drop-In Session
The project team is keen to meet with surrounding neighbours of the Middle Hut BESS, as well as residents and interested groups to explain the proposal and receive preliminary feedback.
We will be hosting a Community Drop-In Session in August 2026. This presents an opportunity to make initial comments and have those considered in the planning application, which is currently being prepared. We expect to submit the planning application in September 2026.
Come by to learn more about the Proposal, view plans, meet the project team and ask any questions you might have. No RSVP required. Light refreshments provided.
Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Time: 2:00 pm-6:00 pm
Location: Arthurs Creek Community Centre, 893 Arthurs Creek Road, Arthurs Creek
Should you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact Cogency Australia on 0452 593 428, or via email: consultation@cogencyaustralia.com.au
Upcoming Opportunity: Formal Submissions
Once the application is officially lodged, the Department of Transport and Planning will open a formal submission period. This will be your opportunity to submit formal feedback for the Minister for Planning to consider during the decision-making process.
During this public exhibition period, all project plans and specialist environmental, visual, and acoustic assessments will be made available for review. We will update this website and notify the community when the exhibition period begins, providing direct instructions on how to lodge your submission.
Community Benefits
No New Transmission Lines
Minimal Vegetation Clearing
By connecting directly to the existing 220kV lines that already bisect the site, the project completely avoids the need for new transmission infrastructure, significantly reducing both visual and environmental impacts.
The site design protects existing environmental values by prioritizing construction within existing agricultural paddocks, ensuring minimal clearing of native vegetation and the retention of habitat corridors.
Early & Ongoing Engagement
Transparent Public Reporting
Your feedback will be formally recorded and documented. Any future community benefit commitments will be formalised and reported on publicly.
We are committed to engaging with neighbours and stakeholders before any decisions are made or planning applications are lodged, ensuring local knowledge and feedback actively shape the project.
Supporting Our Community
We are proud to be part of the local community and want to make a real, lasting difference here.
Our benefit sharing approach will be collaborative, practical, and tailored to the needs and priorities of the people who live and work in this region.
As the project develops, Turnbull Renewables and BZ Renewables will actively engage with Nillumbik Shire Council, local residents, community groups, and the Registered Aboriginal Party, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, to explore opportunities that bring genuine local benefits.
Have an idea or project you would like to see supported? We would love to hear from you.
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