General News
12 May, 2023
Haylett joins push for AEMO detail
WITHOUT detail, AEMO’s limited consultation opportunities would not yield helpful information, Ripon MP Martha Haylett has told AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman. Ms Haylett has sent the Loddon Herald a copy of her letter to Mr Westerman saying “there...
WITHOUT detail, AEMO’s limited consultation opportunities would not yield helpful information, Ripon MP Martha Haylett has told AEMO CEO Daniel Westerman.
Ms Haylett has sent the Loddon Herald a copy of her letter to Mr Westerman saying “there has been an insufficient level of detail provided to the community about the project, including information about timing, designs, proximity to homes, property access rights, land values, biosecurity and permitted farming practices”. The local MP, who did not attend last Friday’s forum due to prior diary bookings with ministers, also told Mr Westerman AEMO’s plans for VNI West had no detail or understanding as to how this project benefits the communities that bear the brunt of it, including any information about community benefit schemes.
“I am concerned that the project is on a path to losing social license like similar energy infrastructure projects in my region.
“The VNI West Project will be one of the biggest rural energy infrastructure projects built in the last century. It must be done properly – with genuine consultation and timely answers provided to those whose livelihoods it will impact most.”
A copy of Ms Haylett’s letter was sent to Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio who declined the invitation to speak in Wedderburn last Friday.