We would like to update you on the recent community drop-in session event that took place on 9th October 2025.
Community information events
Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet us, connect with us and ask questions at our community information session at Jubilee Hall.
Our recent sessions were an important opportunity to talk with community members, neighbours, and local groups about the proposed Macedon BESS. We heard many thoughtful views, and your feedback will help guide how we shape the project and its assessments as we move towards submitting the Development Application to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
We’ve seen how deeply people care about the region and its environment. That care and connection came through strongly in every discussion. We respect these views and look forward to continuing to work together as the project progresses.
Community feedback survey
We’d like to thank everyone who completed the community survey. Your time and thoughts are genuinely appreciated. Your feedback gives us a clearer picture of the community—what matters most and how we can respond to it.
The feedback
Many important questions have been raised through the community sessions, survey, phone calls, emails, and neighbour and stakeholder meetings. We are working to address these key concerns and will include responses in a series of project updates to be issued regularly by email as the project progresses and assessment outcomes become clearer. We appreciate your patience.
Community members and stakeholders have shared concerns primarily focused on:
- Fire risk management and emergency planning.
- Visual impacts on nearby homes.
- Potential effects on property values, both residential and agricultural.
All of these concerns have been noted and will be addressed in our Development Application report.
We have also received messages of support and interest from community members regarding potential employment and local development opportunities. We thank you for this feedback and will continue to engage on these topics.
Over the next four months, as assessments progress, we will provide regular updates through our newsletter and website, sharing more detailed information to address common questions and concerns.
What happens next
The next step is the lodging of the Development Application which is expected to be delivered by end of November 2025. Once submitted, the Department of Transport & Planning will evaluate the application and issue an approval, if all conditions have been met. This approval will take about 4-5 months depending on the evaluation process and whether the project would need to provide further information to the department. Once approved, the project can move on to the next stage which is finalise the final investment decision and prepare for construction.
Opportunities for future discussion
One topic we look forward to discussing further with the community is the proposed Community Benefit Fund (CBF). This initiative is intended to support benefit-sharing arrangements that distribute a portion of the proceeds from renewable energy projects to neighbours, local communities, and the wider region.
We recognise that keeping these benefits as local to Macedon as possible is a clear priority, ensuring the project delivers value not only to South Energy but also to the Macedon community.
Discussions about the CBF will continue through meetings with Council, where we will outline community feedback received so far and explore ideas and suggestions raised during engagement.
About South Energy
South Energy, founded in 2018, is an Australian developer focusing on developing, building, and operating utility-scale renewable energy projects. Backed by Growland Group, an Australian leading property group with operations across the investment, development and management landscape, South Energy is well-supported to manage and deliver large-scale renewable energy projects in response to Australia’s initiatives for a net-zero carbon economy.
South Energy has developed five projects across Victoria and two projects in Western Australia, with a total capacity of over 1GW (gigawatt), and aim to continue growing their portfolio by delivering a total of 3GW over the next five years using various technologies that include, solar, wind, battery energy storage and hydrogen.
How to learn more and provide feedback
We’re committed to providing clear, accessible information and engaging with the community at every stage of the project. Please contact our team should you have any questions, using the details below:
P: (03) 8842 6888