Powerline verdict a shock

By Lachlan Ellis

Council and community groups have expressed their disappointment at a Supreme Court decision, which has backed fast-tracking of two controversial transmission projects.

On Wednesday 20 December last year, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the State Government, in a case first brought before the court last September by the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA).

The MCHPA sought to quash two orders made by Victorian Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio in February and May, which would allow the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to begin early works on the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and VNI (Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector) West projects.

While a win for the MCHPA in court wouldn’t have necessarily led to the undergrounding of the lines that the group has been campaigning for for years, it would’ve led to a review of those orders made by the Minister.

MCHPA Chair Emma Muir said the result was a disappointing one for the Alliance.

“We’re pretty shattered. After three and half years, it’s pretty sad. I don’t even know what to say…we thought we had a really good chance of winning, and we gave it our all. I think we just need to take a moment, look at the reasons given, and once our barristers are back from their break in the new year we’ll have a re-look at it,” she told the Moorabool News.

“We could appeal, if it’s appropriate, but we don’t know yet, we haven’t looked into it, we’d still need the barristers to have a look and see if it’s possible to appeal.”

Moorabool Shire Council – which has also been ardent in its support for undergrounding of the WRL, including commissioning its own independent report into undergrounding – has also expressed dismay at the ruling.

“This will be difficult news for community members who are affected by the project, especially during the holiday period,” CEO Derek Madden said.

“For the community’s sake, we hope that timing of the Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement (EES) is not further delayed and goes on exhibition for public comment in late-2024, as is currently planned.”

As mentioned by Mr Madden, the WRL project has not yet undergone its EES process, which is set to be exhibited for public comment for 30 business days on the Engage Victoria website later this year.