![\"\"](\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/ballarat\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/07\/Map-300x210.jpg\")
The project\u2019s executive director Stephanie McGregor said discussions with affected landholders were ongoing.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody knows the land like the landholders themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will work with them to ensure agriculture and other land use can continue along the line with minimal disruption.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, Western Victoria state upper house MP Bev McArthur criticised the timing of AusNet\u2019s announcement, and sincerity over engaging with landholders, claiming the latest map was released to some media outlets before those directly affected were told.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis demonstrates that AusNet is more focussed on front pages and media spin, than the people whose lives and livelihoods they are about to change,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been to these meetings. I have walked the paddocks with impacted farmers. I have gone to the sensitive environmental sites and the forested areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat AusNet has done today has eased few, if any, of locals\u2019 concerns about the impact on their ability to work, and sustain industries, including tourism, along this high-wire project.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Western Victoria Transmission Network Project aims to bring power generated by renewable energy sources in the west of the state to the national grid, with an expectation it will handle 900 megawatts annually.<\/p>\n
Announced just over a year ago, AusNet is currently in the process of setting a final route for the power line and location of the substation.<\/p>\n
While many objectors to the line, including local councils, have called for it to run underground for some of all of the route, the developer has chosen to push ahead with an above ground option.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe absolutely acknowledge and understand the uncertainty around the issue of farming under potential transmission lines,\u201d Ms McGregor said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result of investigations, consultations and recognition that farming occurs under existing transmission lines in Victoria, we can confirm that farmers will be able to grow crops, including potatoes, within the transmission line easement.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE route of a proposed five hundred-kilovolt power line north of Ballarat has been further refined, with the project\u2019s proponents releasing new maps. Known as the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project, the line is being built by AusNet Services. It\u2019s set to run from Bulgana near Ararat to Ballarat as a 220-kilovolt line where it\u2019ll […]<\/p>\n