March 17th, 2023Speak up: council urges community input on interconnector project

As the April 5 deadline for submissions looms, The Hepburn Shire Council is now urging the community to make a submission on the latest consultation report into the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project.

“While Mount Prospect is no longer the preferred option for a terminal
station, it still remains an option,” mayor Cr Brian Hood says.

“We also note that the proposed route of the Western Renewables Link transmission line through Hepburn Shire remains largely unchanged and is highly problematic,” Cr Hood says.

“A major concern for Council is the recommendation to increase the capacity of the proposed power lines from 220kV (kilovolt) to 500kV along the west section of the Western Renewables Link.

“We are very disappointed that the undergrounding of power lines has not been considered. The unwillingness to consider this option for the more sensitive sections of the route demonstrates an indifference to genuine community concerns,” Cr Hood says.

AEMO and Transgrid are this month hosting online and in-person information sessions. Details on
session times and how to book, along with links to the reports and how to make a submission via the council’s engagement website https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/VNI-West. Feedback on the report is
due by 5 April 2023