Latest Project News

Following consideration of community consultation and feedback, along with early investigations, AusNet Services has now narrowed down the Area of Interest to corridors. These corridors will be considered, along with the output of further community consultation, to identify to a single corridor and refine a final route for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP).

The identified corridors will be subject to further consideration of specific environmental effects including biodiversity and habitat, cultural heritage, landscape and visual, land use, socioeconomic, community amenity, health and safety, roads and transport, catchment values and hydrology.

Please read this fact sheet which includes detailed information about the corridors:

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/62122/widgets/312640/documents/194685

AusNet Services is seeking nominations for members of three Community Consultation Groups (CCGs).

The CCGs will be based in the east, central and west of the project, with the aim of enhancing communication both within the community and between the community and the project.

To nominate for membership of one of the three Community Consultation Groups, please read and complete this form:

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/get-involved/survey_tools/community-consultation-group-nominations

Through the CCGs and the upcoming community information sessions, the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the corridors.

AusNet Services is committed to pro-actively engaging with the local communities as part of the ongoing process to determine the final route for this project. We’ll continue to work hard to encourage community input, to learn from local people and provide opportunities for everyone to help shape the project.

If you need further information about the corridors or the CCGs, please contact us, call 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au To register for updates, visit westvictnp.com.au

In 2020, the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP) entered the environmental assessment and project approvals phase.

There has been a significant amount of community input and involvement to date. This includes over 4,500 unique pieces of community feedback and insights which are being used in environmental, social, economic, and cultural studies as part of the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process.

An integral part of the project is engaging with stakeholders, including local communities and landowners. Community input is critical to ensuring the project design considers the perspectives of all stakeholders.

Community feedback received during early engagement, combined with the findings of technical investigations, will inform key project decisions such as identifying the project route which will be subject to further environmental, social and technical investigations.

The report summarises the feedback we have heard from those who have engaged with the project team to date and we invite further feedback as the next stages of community engagement commence.

You can read the report here:

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/62122/widgets/312640/documents/193928

To learn more about the project or to contact the project team, please visit westvictnp.com.au, call 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au

After considering public submissions on the draft scoping requirements for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project, the Minister for Planning has issued final scoping requirements.

Please find below the link to the final scoping requirements:

https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environment-assessment/browse-projects/projects/western-victoria-transmission-network-project

The final EES scoping requirements set out in further detail the Ministers’ requirements for the environment assessment of the Western Victorian Transmission Network Project, including the investigation of potentially feasible project alternatives.

If you require further information, want to learn more about the Project or to register for updates visit westvictnp.com.au call 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au

As we wrap up the year, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has participated this year in the online mapping tool, attended a webinar or a drop-in session, sent us an email or called us.

This community update provides information on:

• What has happened on the Project so far
• A stakeholder engagement summary
• Next steps about the approvals process
• How to stay involved

Please follow this link to the Community Update – December 2020

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/62122/widgets/312640/documents/191057

Please note AusNet Services will be taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period from close of business on Friday 18 December 2020 to Monday 4 January 2021.

If you require further information in relation to this community update, want to learn more about the Project or to register for updates visit westvictnp.com.au call 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au

AusNet Services recognizes the growing community interest in the decision-making process that informed the project scope for the Western Victorian Transmission Network Project (WVTNP). We understand that the regulatory approvals processes involved, and the different roles of multiple organizations within these processes, can be confusing.

We have developed a fact sheet to explain the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) process that shaped the Project scope of the WVTNP.

Specifically, the fact sheet will explain:

• what the RIT-T process is;

• what is and is not considered by the RIT-T process;

• how the RIT-T shaped this project, and

• how to have your say on the WVTNP

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/62122/widgets/312640/documents/189117

If you require further information in relation this fact sheet, want to learn more about the Project or to register for updates visit westvictnp.com.au call 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au

Meet the team at a community drop-in session in Melton

Planning is underway as we work together to unlock Western Victoria’s renewable energy to grow businesses and communities for the region.

AusNet Services is hosting, face-to-face, drop-in sessions for the Melton community to seek feedback, listen to concerns and answer questions. Come along and meet the team any time between 3.00pm – 7.30pm at the below location. We look forward to meeting you.

• Tuesday 24 November and Wednesday 25 November 3.00pm - 7:30pm, Melton Community Hall, 238 High Street, Melton.

The safety of our staff and the community is our top priority, all sessions will have a Covid-19 Safe plan in place.

For further information, including a map of the area of interest and details for contacting the Western Victorian Transmission Network Project team, head to www.westvictnp.com.au

Alternatively, you can email info@westvictnp.com.au or phone 03 9021 0674.

Questions about the process:

DELWP will lead an online session hosted by the Project to answer your questions about the EES Draft Scoping Requirements on Thursday 12 November, 7pm to 8pm.

You can join the session via this zoom link on the night: https://zoom.us/j/94785104169?pwd=ZDhMdGZIMkFwTyszTjdjNmpvc1ZLZz09

Please email through any questions prior to the session to info@westvictnp.com.au

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions via the comments section during the session.

The session will be recorded and uploaded onto the website.

More information

The Western Victoria Transmission Network Project will undergo an Environment Effects Statement (EES), the most rigorous environmental impact assessment process in Victoria.

The requirement for an EES is an important step for the Project as it will provide a transparent, integrated investigation of potential environmental impacts and provides community with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the Project.

On behalf of the Minister for Planning, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is now inviting public comments on the Draft Scoping Requirements for the EES. The Draft Scoping Requirements set out the matters that the Project will investigate and document in the EES.

After considering public submissions on the Draft Scoping Requirements, the Minister for Planning will issue final scoping requirements that the Project must address in the preparation of the EES.

A copy of the Draft Scoping Requirements can be downloaded from the DELWP website: www.planning.vic.gov.au/environment-assessment/browse-projects/projects/western-victoria-transmission-network-project(External link)

Get involved:

The EES Draft Scoping Requirements are now available for public comment before being finalized.

They will be available for public comment until Friday 27 November 2020.

To make a comment, please email environment.assessment@delwp.vic.gov.au(External link)

Submissions may also be posted to Impact Assessment Unit, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, PO Box 500, East Melbourne VIC 8002.

The Western Victoria Transmission Network Project will undergo an Environment Effects Statement (EES), the most rigorous environmental impact assessment process in Victoria.

The requirement for an EES is an important step for the Project as it will provide a transparent, integrated investigation of potential environmental impacts and provides community with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the Project.

On behalf of the Minister for Planning, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is now inviting public comments on the Draft Scoping Requirements for the EES. The Draft Scoping Requirements set out the matters that the Project will investigate and document in the EES.

After considering public submissions on the Draft Scoping Requirements, the Minister for Planning will issue final scoping requirements that the Project must address in the preparation of the EES.

A copy of the Draft Scoping Requirements can be downloaded from the DELWP website: www.planning.vic.gov.au/environment-assessment/browse-projects/projects/western-victoria-transmission-network-project

Get involved:

The EES Draft Scoping Requirements are now available for public comment before being finalized.

They will be available for public comment until Friday 27 November 2020.

To make a comment, please email environment.assessment@delwp.vic.gov.au

Submissions may also be posted to Impact Assessment Unit, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, PO Box 500, East Melbourne VIC 8002.

Questions about the process:

DELWP will lead an online session hosted by the Project to answer your questions about the EES Draft Scoping Requirements on Thursday 12 November, 7pm to 8pm. An email will be sent out with the link or visit www.westvictnp.com.au for further information.

Thank you to everyone who has provided us feedback on the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project. While we don’t know exactly where the final alignment will be, we know that wherever it is, it will have impacts on people’s lives – some more than others.

We are continuing to review every submission to understand the concerns, constraints and opportunities across different areas to identify the best alignment.

Since our project website went live more than 14,500 people have visited. In particular, the project’s online mapping tool has provided a wealth of information. So far, more than 2,800 pins have been dropped letting us know what is important to you.

This online mapping tool will be available for you to have your say until Friday 30 October 2020.

We would like as many people as possible to have their say using this online mapping tool. This is not the end of our engagement; we welcome your questions and feedback by email (info@westvictnp.com.au) or call 03 9021 0674.

The Project team are using this data to help narrow down the Area of Interest to a project corridor. A report will be prepared to let you know what we have heard and will be shared publicly in mid-November via a project update and be available on the website. You will also still be able to view the map and its data on the website.

An EES provides for an integrated assessment of potential environmental effects (including economic, heritage and social effects) of the project. As part of the EES we will undertake environmental assessments to understand potential impacts from the project and to identify how the impacts can be avoided, minimised and managed.

The EES process provides opportunities for ongoing transparent community consultation. Opportunities for community engagement are documented in our EES consultation plan. This document will be published on our website and the DELWP website. Please register for updates so we can let you know when it is available on our website.

A fact sheet about the EES process can be found here: https://www.westvictnp.com.au/57078/widgets/298050/documents/182785

The Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP) team is committed to keeping you up to date with relevant project information. During recent consultations we have heard some key concerns emerge from the community about various topics. We have created a series of fact sheets addressing these key topics that are now all available on the website, or hard copies by request.

Project Design – Overhead Transmission Lines

We have received many questions about why AusNet Services is delivering the WVTNP using overhead transmission lines. We also recognise underground is the preferred option for many people rather than overhead transmission lines. This fact sheet aims to explain the differences between the overhead and underground transmission lines. It also outlines why the project is proposing overhead transmission lines.

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/53183/widgets/307393/documents/182787

AusNet Services Guide to Easement Acquisition and Compensation

While the final alignment is yet to be determined, we know that wherever it is, it will require easements on some people’s properties. We have heard concerns about the process to acquire easements for the Project, so we have put together this guide which aims to increase understanding of the process for acquiring easements and the process to determine compensation.

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/53188/widgets/276428/documents/182782

Transmission Line, Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs) and Health

It’s understandable that people are concerned about the potential health impacts of EMF from transmission lines, especially when some studies demonstrate inconclusive results.

This fact sheet provides information on the different types of EMFs, the potential risks posed by transmission lines and the steps taken to reduce any risks through planning, design, and location of transmission lines.

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/53183/widgets/307393/documents/182788

Environmental Effects Statement

The requirement for an EES is an important step for the Project as it will provide a transparent, integrated investigation of potential environmental impacts and provide the community with an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the Project.

To help you understand how to get involved in the EES process, we have put together this fact sheet which outlines the process.

https://www.westvictnp.com.au/57078/widgets/298050/documents/182785

We encourage you to get in contact with the project team if you would like more information. There will be further opportunities to engage with the Project team throughout the EES process, including at the upcoming drop-in sessions, listed here https://www.westvictnp.com.au/get-involved.