Edward River Council is inviting the community to have its say on the draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) prepared for the Deniliquin Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, with the document now on public exhibition until 22 April.
A VPA is a standard part of major development processes in the NSW Southern Renewable Energy Zone. It outlines the contributions a developer agrees to make to Council on behalf of the community, along with the rules for how those funds can be used.
The draft VPA for the Deniliquin BESS has been developed through extensive negotiations between Council and Avenis Energy, supported by external legal advice and guided by Council’s Community Benefits Framework, adopted in December last year.
The terms within the agreement reflect an in‑principle understanding reached between Council and Avenis Energy in 2025, now ready for community consideration through the exhibition process.
Mayor, Ashley Hall said the draft agreement represents a strong outcome for Edward River residents:
“This VPA ensures our community receives real and lasting benefits from the Deniliquin Battery Energy Storage System project. We encourage residents to read the draft agreement and share their feedback. Community input is vital to ensuring the agreement reflects our local priorities and maximises community benefit,” the Mayor said.
The Deniliquin BESS received development approval from the NSW Independent Planning Commission in January 2026. The project is proposed to be located around eight kilometres south-east of Deniliquin on the Riverina Highway, adjacent to the existing 132 kilovolt Deniliquin substation.
It involves the construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of a battery energy storage facility with a delivery capacity of around 120 megawatts and a storage capacity of approximately 480 megawatt‑hours, designed to transfer electricity directly into the local network via the existing substation.
The draft VPA and feedback form are available at:
https://www.haveyoursay.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/deniliquin-bess-vpa-exhibition.
Feedback must be provided by 5pm on 22 April. Submissions can be made:
- Online: complete the form on the Have Your Say webpage
- In person: deliver a written submission to Customer Service, 180 Cressy Street, Deniliquin
- Email: send to haveyoursay@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au
- Post: to PO Box 270, Deniliquin NSW 2710
After consideration of feedback received during the exhibition period, and subject to any approvals required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Council will be authorised to execute the VPA.
