General News
16 December, 2023
Environmental study call on agenda within weeks
THE VNI West transmission line project’s draft corridor will land on Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s within weeks. Ms Kilkenny will decide whether to order an environmental effects statement on the controversial project. Australian Energy...
THE VNI West transmission line project’s draft corridor will land on Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s within weeks.
Ms Kilkenny will decide whether to order an environmental effects statement on the controversial project.
Australian Energy Market Operator’s Transmission Company Victoria has been meeting landholders along the route between Stawell and Kerang, including through northern areas of the Loddon Shire.
However, AEMO said an EES would be its focus over the next year.
The VNI West draft corridor was released in early October, reducing the area in the sights of TCV to 1.5km in many areas.
The draft corridor was a reduction in the footprint of Option 5 and Option 5A released early this year with AEMO criticised for its consultation model after the sudden change from original plans to string renewable energy transmissions lines from Bendigo to Kerang.
A VNI West spokesperson said: “An important focus for consultation over the next 12 months will be the environment effects statement and the studies that we expect to conduct as part of that process.
“We intend to hold further information sessions for local communities, and the details will be finalised once we have more certainty about the EES process and timing of studies,” they said.
“Consultation is ongoing as we continue to talk directly with landowners and traditional owners, and engage with local councils and other community representatives including through regular roundtable forums.”
The spokesperson said TCV would refer the draft corridor to Ms Kilkenny to consider whether an environment effects statement would be be required for the project.
“The EES is a rigorous and consultative regulatory process to comprehensively assess the potential environmental, cultural and social impacts of the project. This process will take place over 12 to 18 months and includes opportunities for consultation and input by community and technical experts during the development of the technical studies that are prepared in connection with the EES.”
The spokesperson also confirmed five more members on the VNI West community reference group.
They are Jon Whykes,, of Jeffcott, Daniel Bryce, of Traynors Lagoon, Miles Parry, of Barraport West, Bryan Pederson, of Teddywaddy West and Colin Coates, of St Arnaud, who had previously been named as a member of that group to have 20 members.
A second meeting of the group was held last month but AEMO has made no statement on items raised by group members.
“The group is another important, regular forum for sharing information and responding to community concerns,” the spokesperson said.
“The group will assist the project team by providing local perspectives, providing feedback and input as the project progresses, raising questions and concerns on behalf of the community and identifying opportunities for community benefits sharing.”