Mixed response on powerline review

By Lachlan Ellis

A neighbouring shire has welcomed an investigation into alternate options for transmission lines, but Moorabool Shire Council is taking a more cautious stance.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Transgrid provided its fifth update for the VNI West project’s RIT-T process on Friday 2 December.

The VNI West project would connect New South Wales’ Energy Connect network with the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) here in Victoria, the latter of which has faced significant community opposition.

In its project update, AEMO said that “AVP (AEMO Victorian Planning) and Transgrid are embarking on an investigation of alternative VNI West options, still running via a terminal station near Kerang, but with connection to WRL west of the currently proposed terminal station, including areas around Bulgana (Wotjobaluk Country) and Waubra/Lexton (Djaara Country)”.

“Our analysis of potential alternative options is not complete, and no decision has been made to change the currently proposed location for connection to WRL. Any changes to the configuration of WRL may have potential implications for the timing and scope of the WRL Environmental Effects Statement,” the update reads.

Neighbouring Hepburn Shire Council put out a media release on 15 December welcoming the review, with Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood calling the review “a positive sign that we may be listened to”.

“We are grateful that levels of government are listening to our community’s concerns with this project and will be very interested in the alternative options that they propose,” he said.

However, Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden believes the investigation by AEMO and Transgrid will most likely have no significant impact on Moorabool.

“While the location of this terminal station may change, it appears the alignment of the transmission lines in Moorabool Shire are not likely to change in any substantial way,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“We will continue to liaise with AEMO and Ausnet and keep the community informed on any developments, including any likely impact on the proposed Western Renewables Link project, scope and route.”

To read the progress update in full, visit www.aemo.com.au and search ‘Project Update 5’.