Politics & Council
26 June, 2023
CFA wants seat at reference group table
COUNTRY Fire Authority wants to be part of a State Government-appointed reference group as the path for 80-metre tall transmission towers through the Loddon is refined. A spokesperson last week said there had already been collaboration between the...
COUNTRY Fire Authority wants to be part of a State Government-appointed reference group as the path for 80-metre tall transmission towers through the Loddon is refined.
A spokesperson last week said there had already been collaboration between the CFA and Australian Energy Market Operator on fire risk with the project.
In a statement, the spokesperson said: “CFA has a statutory role to play in providing advice on any potential development or project in relation to potential fire risk impacts.
“Once established, CFA expects to be a part of a Government-appointed technical reference group for the VNI West project, to ensure that bushfire risk is considered and assessed in regard to the location and routes of the proposed project.
“As a key stakeholder, CFA has collaborated with AEMO and ESV (Energy Safe Victoria) in the development of community information and will continue to ensure that any risk is effectively addressed by the project.”
Woosang brigade first lieutenant Ian Gould raised local concerns about the project at his brigade’s annual meeting earlier this month.
The CFA did not make a submission during AEMO consultation earlier this year.
AEMO and its new entity Transmission Company Victoria kick off consultation on the new Option 5A preferred route with a session in Boort next month that will include a fire safety information booth.
Option 5A has identified land for the route running between Wedderburn and Charlton, through Boort and near Pyramid Hill.
Last month’s new option moved identified land north from the previous Option 5 and AEMO says it will be reduced to 500 metres wide next month.