ONE Nation MP for Northern Victoria Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has thrown her support behind the Dederang community who are concerned about the building of two Battery Energy Storage System projects earmarked for the region.

Some residents are concerned the projects are planned to be built on prime agricultural land, which they believe will permanently alter the landscape of the region forever.

Speaking during the adjournment debate in State Parliament, Ms Tyrrell highlighted what she said was poor consultation with the local community amid allegations of intimidation and threats by developers.

“I have been informed that the consultation by the project's developers with the people of Dederang has consisted of just one public meeting,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“Worse than that, I have had reports of threats and intimidation by representatives of the developers, even threatening the region will be lumbered with a nuclear reactor if people don’t embrace the battery projects.

“These threats are not only absurd but completely inappropriate and should play no part in genuine community consultation,” Ms Tyrrell said.

In her contribution, Ms Tyrrell extended an invitation to the Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny to join her to meet the Dederang community members personally to hear their concerns.

“The people of Dederang feel their concerns on these Battery Energy Storage System projects are being ignored and I think the minister needs to listen to the local community for herself,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“The community are outraged at the tactics used by developers, and I look forward to Ms Kilkenny joining me to hear their views.”

Friends of the Kiewa and Alpine Valleys Inc spokesperson, Sharon McEvoy, said the group were incredibly grateful for the support received from Ms Tyrell as well as ongoing support from Ovens Valley MP Tim McCurdy, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and Wendy Lovell.

“Rikki-Lee, Tim and Bridget have made personal visits to Dederang and to residents’ properties to observe our concerns first-hand,” she said.

“We can only hope this makes a difference and that the Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny will see fit to attend as requested.

“The projects are being built on prime agricultural land and have been imposed upon the neighbours and the community with no initial consultation.

“As Ms Tyrrell mentioned, none of the companies have attended community meetings.

“Across the country there seems to be a disconnect in regional centres and cities about the scale of renewable developments in rural areas.

“In Victoria, the government is openly admitting it could be up to 70 per cent of agricultural land in the state; what will be left?

“There is genuine concern from some of our politicians and we are extremely grateful that they are speaking up, making an impact, and caring about individuals and the community in Dederang.”