Hundreds protest solar farm rollout across Victoria's north-east
Hundreds protested solar farms at Parliament House. Benalla businesses shut their doors briefly in solidarity.
Hundreds of protesters rallied at Parliament House in Melbourne on Friday. They voiced regional concerns about solar farms being built across Victoria's north-east.
Activist Libby Foubister compared the solar panels alongside the Hume Freeway between Glenrowan and Benalla to 'a black virus spreading across farmland'. Foubister raised concerns that 1.2 million solar panels and up to 800 batteries would be placed near bushfire-prone areas.
These would also sit along the Hume Freeway itself. In Benalla, an estimated 30 local businesses shut their doors from 11am to 11.15am in support.
The rally also covered complaints about potholes, fuel prices, wind turbines and the fire services levy. No politicians attended the event.
It was held weeks before the Victorian state election.
- 300 to 400 people
- Attendance
- About 30 in Benalla
- Businesses participating
- 1.2 million
- Solar panels planned
- Friday, October 9
- Rally date
Why it mattersThe protest shows strong regional resistance to renewable energy projects. This could shape how the next government plans for energy.
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