New court date for power fight

By Lachlan Ellis

A second date has been determined for legal action against the Western Renewables Link (WRL), with the case to be heard in the Supreme Court next month.

After a submission to the Court in early August, the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) case against two ministerial orders allowing AEMO to start early works on the VNI West and WRL projects.
Chair of the MCHPA, Emma Muir, said the group was eager to put forward its case against the two orders during the trial, which will commence on 7 September through to 12 September.

“We’ve put in our submission to the judge, what our legal argument is…we’re looking forward to going to court on the 7th of September. We’re full steam ahead for that,” Ms Muir told the Moorabool News.

“What we’re asking is for a review of the ministerial orders that Minister D’Ambrosio issued in February and May. The best outcome is that they are quashed, and she can’t use those orders to say the VNI West and WRL have to go ahead as is.”

The orders in question were made under the National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005, which Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio says will “bring forward VNI West mean[ing] we can connect cheaper, more reliable renewable energy sooner, putting downward pressure on energy prices”.

But Ms Muir, and the Regional Victoria Power Alliance which the MCHPA is a member of, say fast tracking the projects risks the safety and livelihoods of thousands of people along the project’s corridor, as well as the environment where the powerlines are planned.

As with any legal action, the MCHPA’s legal planning hasn’t come cheap, and Ms Muir said financial support from local communities would be greatly appreciated.

You can view the MCHPA’s latest newsletter, which includes a donation link, at www.stoplaborstowers.com.au/news/stop-labors-towers-newsletter-22nd-august-2023.