THE State Government should deliver on its commitment to review Professor Bruce Mountain’s Plan B alternative to the proposed VNI West overhead transmission line project.
Nationals MP Gaelle Broad told Parliament last week that many residents across Northern Victoria had raised concerns about the devastating impact of the VNI West proposal, fearing it would impact families, businesses and local communities.
“As Victoria’s population and demand for electricity continues to grow, along with an ever-increasing state debt, it is critical that the government spend money on projects that will achieve the best outcomes and long-term value for money,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
Last year the Minister made a commitment to review the proposal by energy specialists Professor Bruce Mountain and Simon Bartlett to use existing easements to maximise electricity transmission and increase capacity.
“The Government was to provide a response to this report last October,” Ms Broad said.
“Securing Victoria’s energy supplies is critical, and I ask the Minister to deliver on their response to this report, and urgently share the findings of the Government’s review.
“In 2016 when the Coalition was in Government, Victoria exported electricity,” Ms Broad said. “Despite a wealth of energy resources in Victoria, under Labor our state is on track to import nearly a third of our energy supplies by 2040.”