New energy transmission – Have Your Say

As Victoria prepares for a transition from coal-fired power to renewable energy, our transmission systems and energy storage will have to change too – and a government body wants to hear from the community on how best to transition.

Victoria’s coal-fired power stations are expected to close earlier than scheduled, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) says we “must act now” and ensure our energy system is resilient, “to protect consumers from spikes in electricity prices and reduced reliability”.

DELWP has published three consultation documents under its planned Victorian Transmission Investment Framework (VTIF), which will inform the development of six ‘Renewable Energy Zones’ (REZs).

The VTIF proposes a new planning process for transmission and REZ development, options for new access arrangements for the REZs, a more participatory and inclusive approach with early and ongoing engagement, options for benefit sharing arrangements in Victoria’s REZs, and new potential roles and functions for VicGrid.

Part of the Western Renewables Link, which will run through 60 kilometres of Moorabool Shire under the current proposal, is located within the Western Victoria REZ.

On the Engage Victoria site, open submissions can be made about the VTIF, and survey questions can also be answered.

Questions include which factors you believe are most important in planning the transmission network (including minimising environmental impacts and minimising impacts on agriculture), what group you would trust to represent your views in decision-making processes, and which channels you would like to be engaged through.

Feedback closes on 15 August, with publication of submissions and summary reports to occur in late 2022. A date has not yet been set for a final decision on the proposed VTIF.