June 29th, 2020Line Concerns

HEPBURN Shire Council is extremely concerned about the proposed Western Victoria Transmission Network Project, to be delivered by AusNet/Mondo, says Mayor Cr Licia Kokocinski.

The project proposes 190 kilometres of transmission lines, starting in Sydenham and travelling through to Bulgana. The lines will be supported by a new terminal station north of Ballarat.

“Council has only been provided with very limited information on the proposal and is very unclear of the proposed alignment, location of the terminal station (approximately 50-hectare footprint north of Ballarat) and generally how the ‘developer’ will effectively communicate and compensate impacted landowners,” she said.

“We are requesting that a public community session be held to help the community better understand what is being proposed.

“In addition to this, council has developed a working project group, including surrounding impacted councils – City of Ballarat, City of Melton and Moorabool Shire Council, in an attempt to coordinate the best outcomes for the community and at a minimum continue to seek genuine consultation from the developer. 

“We will also be writing to the local member and relevant ministers. We call on AusNet/Mondo to be more open and transparent with their information and work collaboratively with the impacted councils to get the best results.”