August 16th, 2022More transmission lines for shire

Hepburn Shire Council has expressed concern at the newly announced overhead transmission lines proposed as part of the Victoria – New South Wales Interconnector West project.
VNI West is a proposed new high capacity 500 kilovolt double-circuit overhead transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales.
The project will include a transmission line from Kerang to the proposed terminal station at Mount Prospect.
Deputy Mayor Cr Jen Bray said while the council was highly supportive of renewable energy, it strongly opposed above-ground transmission lines and the terminal station in the proposed location.
“We have made our position clear that we are strongly opposed to transmission lines being above ground and along the route proposed for the Western Renewable Link (formerly Western Victoria Transmission Network Project). We are of the same view in relation to VNI West,” Cr Bray said.
“Overhead transmission lines and terminal station at Mount Prospect will have a significant impact on our valuable agricultural land, significant landscapes and the health and wellbeing of local people.
“The community and council have made this loud and clear – we do not want this above ground infrastructure.”
The VNI West Project Assessment Draft Report has been released for public comment until September 9.
It is available at https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects-innovation/victoria-to-nsw-interconnector-west