Warragul battery site sought

Three hundred small battery energy storage systems (BESS) sites are being proposed across Victoria and developers are seeking one within two kilometres of the Warragul zone sub-station.
A 1000 square metre lot is needed for the battery on either farming or industrial zoned land.
While the infrastructure is part of the Victorian government renewables program, the smaller BESS sites, like the three larger BESS proposals in the shire, have not been included on renewable energy zone maps.
Rob Stanley-Turner from Box Commercial Estate Agents, is responsible for the Warragul site and 14 others across the region.
"Warragul is one of these hot spots," explained Mr Stanley-Turner, adding that the developers, who he did not disclose the identity of, were currently scouting the region for more sites.
"Each site is looked at on its merits. For example, if a train line is in the way, it won't work because they won't be able to get the cables through."
Mr Stanley-Turner has not yet had any inquiries from Warragul locals about developing land for a BESS.
"When the sub-station is in the middle of suburbia it's a bit more difficult to find a site," he admitted.
Mr Stanley-Turner said it was early days in the evolution of the batteries but believed developers would continue pushing for sites, as approvals were being fast tracked through the State Government's renewables program.