Power line plan set for environmental probe

THE State’s planning minister has announced an environmental impact assessment will be carried out along the proposed route of Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.

Running from the western edge of Melbourne to north-east of Ararat, the power line would include 500-kilovolt towers to a substation north of Ballarat, and then a 250-kilovolt, 200-kilometre, stretch to the end point.

Known as an Environment Effects Statement, or EES, Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said the process would balance ecological impacts with the need to get wind and solar power generated in western Victoria to market.

“While this project is important to the future of Victoria’s power system, it’s critical we assess its environmental effects to avoid or minimise impacts on the community or the environment,” he said.

“This will assess the proposed area between Bulgana and Sydenham through Victoria’s most transparent and rigorous environmental assessment framework.

“The Victorian government supports an efficient, modern, sustainable and affordable energy system. The EES process will tell us exactly where we stand and how we can move forward, it’s important to get this right.”

The power line, commissioned by the quasi-governmental Australian Energy Market Operator, is being built by AusNet Services under its Mondo brand.

AusNet Services project director Francisco Vizcaino welcomed the announcement of the EES process.

“AusNet Services is committed to delivering a sensitively designed and located overhead transmission line that minimises impacts to communities and the environment,” he said.

“We welcome the opportunity the EES provides for the analysis of potential effects on the environment and how we are proposing to avoid, minimise and manage any adverse impacts.

“This process will help us strike the right balance between minimising impact to the local environment while unlocking renewable energy sources and major economic investment in western Victoria.”

Member for Ripon, Louise Staley, whose electorate takes in almost all of the 250-kilovolt portion of the line called on the State government to conduct the EES in early-July.

She described the announcement as a “win” for communities along the power line’s route.

“I am pleased that the planning minister has finally acted on my call… to require an EES for the Western Victoria Transmission Network project,” she said.

“I am only sorry the communities were left in limbo for so long while he made up his mind.

“It was clear from the beginning that this assessment was necessary. The community deserves a proper and full assessment of the environmental and cultural impacts of this project.

“This is a win for these communities.”

As part of the ESS, draft terms and requirements will be put out for public feedback over the next few months and Mondeo will be required to prepare a consultation plan.

A statement from the Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said the process would be advertised in area newspapers and on the State government’s planning website.

“I’ve met with many members of the community who are concerned about this project and the ESS will provide them with an opportunity to participate in a rigorous and independent process of review,” she said.

“It’s critical that we properly assess the impacts, alignment and design alternatives thoroughly, to avoid or minimise effects on the community and environment.”