Woodend has entered the race to 100 percent renewable energy with a 30-kilowatt community-owned solar project.

On Monday 15 February, Yes 2 Renewables resumed our tour of Victorian communities and businesses that would benefit from growth in the renewable energy sector.

Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne has signalled the approval of the Dundonell wind farm in the minister’s assessment report–the final stage in the environmental effects statement process.

Farmers, community and environmental groups from across the Victoria gathered on the steps of Parliament on the first sitting day of 2016 (Tuesday 9 February) to greet the MPs as they prepare to make crucial decisions about the state’s energy future.

Just a day after the new chief scientist Dr Alan Finkel called for Australia to accelerate the switch from polluting coal to clean renewable energy, it was revealed the Federal government has mounted another attack on renewables.

Big energy companies have sought to “open up” Victoria to onshore gas drilling and fracking–putting prime farmland and water resources at risk. Regional communities around the state have said “no” to risky unconventional gas extraction.

As Victoria finalises it’s policy on a Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET),  homeowners are switching to solar in a sign they want greater ambition from our state government on transitioning to renewable energy.

The Paris Conference has exceeded expectations by achieving universal agreement to limit global warming to 2C, and striving for a stronger target of 1.5C. The increased ambition on the international stage has implications for policymakers in Australia who must now ramp up programs to cut carbon—and fast.

At the weekend, Fairfax media revealed the Turnbull government had lifted the controversial wind farm investment ban imposed on the Clean Energy Finance Corporation under Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

Late November, Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio visited Ararat to turn the first sod on a new wind farm under construction thanks to the ACT’s ambitious Renewable Energy Targets.