Amendments to the Victorian Planning Framework appear to be thwarting the pursuit of Australia’s clean energy goals, according to a study by the University of Melbourne.

The amendments, introduced one year ago, prohibit wind farms in many areas in the state and effectively give landowners veto power over turbines that are proposed within 2km of their homes.

Research indicates that these amendments fail to balance local interests with broader clean energy goals, giving priority to local concerns and creating barriers against wind farm development.