TRANSMISSION Company Victoria says it will only use proposed new land access laws as a last resort.
The Australian Energy Market Operator company behind the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project said the State Government’s  planned new powers would only be considered “as a last resort, after all voluntary access options have been exhausted”.
“Our strong preference is always to reach agreement through this process. But if that’s not possible — even after genuine efforts on both sides — we may need to explore acquiring easements through a statutory process,” TCV told stakeholders last week.
“Our approach hasn’t changed. We’ll keep working closely with landholders to find fair, practical solutions that work for everyone.”
“Last month the State Government introduced a new Bill proposing updates to the legal framework for electricity transmission planning and land access for major projects like VNI West.
TCV has pushed completion of the project out two years and started talks with landowners on the route from Stawell to Kerang and through the northern part of the Loddon Shire on a land easement and access package.
It says the package outlines:
Types of payments landholders may be eligible for
Options for land access during surveys
How we plan to work together to manage project impacts
Negotiation pathways available to landholders
Indicative timings for how easement negotiations with TCV may unfold
“In addition to access payments for field surveys, property-specific compensation for project impacts, and the State Government’s existing landholder payment, TCV has introduced a new Landholder Benefit Payment — a direct acknowledgement of the vital role landholders play in making this project possible.
“We remain committed to open, transparent communication with landholders — and to working together to reach voluntary agreements wherever we can.
“The Land Easement and Access Package includes an Option for Easement which gives landholders the chance to engage early and have their individual property needs heard and considered.”