December 31st, 2023Moorabool shire ‘disappointment’ at Western Renewables Link verdict

The Moorabool Shire Council has expressed its disappointment at the verdict handed down by the Supreme Court earlier this month relating to the Western Renewables Link (WRL).

The Supreme Court handed down a verdict n 20 December 2023, in a matter brought by the Moorabool Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) against the Minister for Energy and Resources.

The verdict handed down was in favour of the Minister.

The council in a statement said it understood the community group’s case challenged the validity of key decisions made by the Minister in February and May 2023, which sought to fast-track the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) and Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) projects.

The WRL proposes a 190km high voltage overhead transmission line from Sydenham to Bulgana, including 60km directly through Moorabool Shire.

The MCHPA are strong advocates for community members impacted by WRL and VNI West and raised significant funds to have their concerns heard by the Supreme Court.

“This will be difficult news for community members who are affected by the project, especially during the holiday period,” CEO Derek Madden said.

“For the community’s sake, we hope that timing of the Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement is not further delayed and goes on exhibition for public comment in late-2024, as is currently planned.”

An Environment Effects Statement (EES) is not an approval process itself, rather, it enables decision makers to consider whether a project with potentially significant environmental effects should proceed.

The EES is set to be exhibited for public comment for 30 business days via the Engage Victoria website in late-2024, during which time interested people may lodge a submission expressing their views about the proposed project or its environmental effects. It will be a significant milestone for community participation.