General News
20 March, 2024
Editorial: An old record playing same song
THE late withdrawal by Transmission Company Victoria from farmer meetings in the VNI West transmission line corridor last week shows how little has changed in a year for engagement and consultation on the controversial project. Mallee MP Anne...
THE late withdrawal by Transmission Company Victoria from farmer meetings in the VNI West transmission line corridor last week shows how little has changed in a year for engagement and consultation on the controversial project.
Mallee MP Anne Webster had organised the talks only to see the rug pulled just hours before. TCV later entered into the argy-bargy on the format and attendance at these meetings Dr Webster had called “town hall style”.
TCV has been reluctant and reticent to attend any meetings since announcing the dramatic change of path 12 months ago, unless at forums organised and managed by the company established by the Australian Energy Market Operator to roll out renewable energy transmission lines that will be strung from Stawell to Kerang and go through prime irrigation land in the north of the Loddon Shire.
A rare exception was when representatives from TCV attended a forum organised by the Loddon Herald last May. Negotiations to have TCV involvement in that forum were protracted and confirmation only received in the days before taking place in Wedderburn. We were prepared to have late notification as Dr Webster experienced last week.
Consultation with communities on renewable energy projects has been appalling from the start, promises keep coming that things will improve and, even after a report by the Australian Energy Commissioner highlighting the need for better engagement, TCV (AEMO) continues to give free kicks to critics and opponents.
No matter at what level community consultation is to take place, and irrespective of the project, this form of engagement must be more than seen to be happening. There must be adequate notice of consultation happening through all available avenues.
Whether federal, state or local government, consultation is key to bringing communities on any journey of change, improvement and opportunity. Last minute notification of consultations or cancellations only hinder perceptions and grow cynicism in process and outcome.