What should you check before starting a bioenergy project in Victoria?

In Victoria, most bioenergy projects need three early checks: whether the activity needs a licence or permission from EPA Victoria under the Environment Protection Act 2017, whether your council must approve the development, and whether the local network can connect your plant. Thresholds and requirements change, so confirm each with the official regulator before committing money.

A biogas and composting facility beside an outline of Victoria, a permission certificate, an organics recycling loop and a rural substation
Conceptual illustration · not a project photograph or engineering design

Do you need an environmental licence?

Victoria's Act places a general environmental duty on everyone to minimise risks of harm. Prescribed activities under the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 need an EPA permission — a development licence, operating licence, permit or registration — depending on the activity type and scale. Organic waste processing and energy-from-waste activities are among those that may be prescribed.

The simplest first step is to describe your activity, feedstock and expected volumes to EPA Victoria and ask which category applies.

Waste rules that shape your feedstock and outputs

Victoria applies a landfill levy and runs its circular economy programme under the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021, including the statewide rollout of household food and garden organics services. Recycling Victoria oversees waste and recycling market reform. Whether digestate or compost can be supplied for land use depends on EPA requirements for that material.

Planning approval

Planning permits are assessed by local councils under the Victoria Planning Provisions and local planning schemes; some proposals may be referred to the State. Check zoning and overlays with your council early.

Electricity and gas network connection

Electricity distributors are Powercor, CitiPower, AusNet Services, Jemena and United Energy. Gas distributors include AusNet, Multinet and Australian Gas Networks. Start connection enquiries with the local network business.

A practical order of checks

  1. Describe the activity — feedstock, source (on-site or received), volumes and outputs.
  2. Ask the environmental regulator which licence or permission category applies.
  3. Talk to council about zoning, traffic, odour and neighbours.
  4. Contact the network business before sizing any generator or gas injection.
  5. Confirm digestate or compost use so your by-products have a lawful outlet.

This guide is general information, not legal or regulatory advice. Shelby does not lodge applications.

Frequently asked questions

Does every bioenergy project in Victoria need an EPA licence?

No. Licensing depends on the type and scale of the activity. Smaller on-farm or on-site systems may fall below thresholds, but planning approval and other duties can still apply. Confirm with EPA Victoria.

Can I sell or spread digestate?

Possibly, but processed organic outputs are usually regulated. Check whether a specific order, exemption or EPA requirement applies before supplying digestate or compost to others.

Can Shelby handle approvals for me?

No. Shelby helps you organise evidence and questions. Applications go through the regulator, council and network business, with qualified advisers where needed.

Sources & References

  • epa.vic.gov.au, EPA Victoria: Permissions

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  • epa.vic.gov.au, EPA Victoria

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    Verification incomplete, do not rely on this reference for an investment or approval decision.

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  • legislation.vic.gov.au, Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic)

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    Verification incomplete, do not rely on this reference for an investment or approval decision.

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  • planning.vic.gov.au, Planning Victoria

    Publication: Date not verified

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    Relevant page / section: Claim-level locator not yet verified

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    Verification incomplete, do not rely on this reference for an investment or approval decision.

    Source metadata and claim-level evidence require verification.

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