General News
24 February, 2024
Alliance appeals VNI West Ministerial order decision
REGIONAL Victoria Power Alliance has appealed a Supreme Court decision to refuse its bid to overturn ministerial orders fast-tracking the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project. The group campaigning against VNI West and...
REGIONAL Victoria Power Alliance has appealed a Supreme Court decision to refuse its bid to overturn ministerial orders fast-tracking the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project.
The group campaigning against VNI West and Western Renewables Link project says it lodged documents with the Court of Appeal last week.
“Despite our relentless efforts and exceptional work by our legal team, the single Judge rejected our claims in December,” said alliance chair Emma Muir.
“However, our legal counsel has identified compelling grounds for appeal, and we submitted our application to the Court of Appeal on February 16, 2024. This appeal is a crucial stand against the Government’s self-appointed decree for these detrimental projects to proceed.” Ms Muir said ministerial orders issued last year by Energy Minister Lily D-Ambrosio could not be democratically justified.
“VNI West is ... proposed to run through highly productive agricultural land and environmentally important and diverse landscapes including many critical waterways and lake systems supporting extensive wildlife.”
The appeal comes as Transmission Company Victoria has lodged documents with Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny who will decide whether to order an environmental effects statement on VNI West that will run from Stawell to Kerang.
The Government has been asked when that decision will be made. No response was received when the Loddon Herald went to press this week.