National co-ordinator Andrew Bray said the government’s continuing review of the Renewable Energy Target was not the one required by legislation.

It comes after Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said last month there was nothing stopping proposed wind farms in western Victoria from going ahead, despite concerns they could be scrapped and councils would lose millions of dollars. 

Mr Tehan said the Federal Government had made clear its support for the RET.

Mr Bray said the review of the RET was legislated to be completed by the Climate Change Authority.

“As the government plans to abolish the Climate Change Authority, it has instead commissioned a review process within the Prime Minister’s department,” he said. 

“The panel selected by Prime Minister Tony Abbott to conduct the review is led by Caltex ex-chairman Dick Warburton, and includes ex-fossil fuel lobbyist Brian Fischer.

“This is not the legislated, balanced review the government promised.”

By its own description, the Climate Change Authority was established in 2012 to provide independent advice on Australia’s carbon price, emissions reduction targets and other Federal Government climate change initiatives. 

Mr Bray was also concerned about the scope of the expert panel’s investigations.

“If the government is genuinely committed that 20 per cent of electricity supply will come from renewable energy sources by 2020, why are they investigating how to abolish it?” he said.

He warned cuts to the RET would have a severe impact on western Victoria, including two Wimmera councils.

“If the government was to go ahead with cuts, it would cut the number of new wind farms in half and instantly remove thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment from western Victoria,” Mr Bray said.

Mr Tehan said the RET review was part of a legislative process that took place every two years.

He has been involved in the process three times.

“Every time we get the same comments from the renewable energy sector, saying they are concerned projects won’t go ahead,” he said. 

“We have just got to wait and see what options the review produces, which will then be presented to government.”

Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees shire councils and RES Australia met with Mr Tehan last month to discuss the future of five wind farms planned for the three municipalities.

Mr Tehan said he met with Minister for Environment Greg Hunt and Minister for Industry Ian Macfarlane to raise their concerns.