Compensation offered

By Lachlan Ellis

The first offers have been made to acquire easements for a controversial powerline project, and while some are seven figures, community groups are arguing no price is high enough.

AusNet, which is planning the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project, says “more than a dozen compensation offers have so far been sent”, with the remainder to follow in coming months.

The company’s Chief Development Officer, Jon D’Sylva, said compensation ranged from hundreds of thousands of dollars, to multi-million dollar compensation offers.

“The payments are intended to recognise the important role that landholders play in hosting critical transmission infrastructure. This infrastructure is vital to connect renewable energy which will enhance the reliability of the grid, cut the state’s carbon emissions and put downward pressure on power bills as coal-fired power stations shut down,” Mr D’Sylva said.

“The amount of compensation will vary for each landholder and is based on a valuation by an independent and accredited valuer. Landholders are encouraged to seek their own valuations which will be paid for by the project.

“In addition to the market value compensation assessment, landholders will also be compensated for disturbance to their property and operations, for example to sheds, fencing and crops.”

The proposed compensation is on top of the payments the State Government announced in February, being $8,000 per year per kilometres of new transmission easement hosted, for 25 years.

But Emma Muir from the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) says all she and many other landowners along the proposed corridor will accept, is the project going underground.

“I don’t really think the compensation offers are worth the paper they’re written on. No amount of money will compensate landowners for what they’re about to lose,” Ms Muir told the Moorabool News.

“I don’t think it’s about money. There are better ways to do this project, and I don’t think you can pay us enough to risk our lives, our environment, our livelihoods, and our homes. People aren’t going to give all that up easily for money.”

More on the compensation offers can be found by visiting www.westernrenewableslink.com.au and searching ‘Landholder Guide’.