The Western Victoria Transmission Network Project will be hosting webinars for the community where environmental and technical specialists will present their findings to date and answer any questions.
All webinars will be recorded and be available on the project website.
You can register online to join the live webinar on Thursday 16 September to find out about how the single corridor was selected and to ask any questions you might have on the process itself.
The Western Transmission Network will build transmission lines to connect new renewable energy to Victoria’s electricity grid. It has been controversial because it is the first major project to build new transmission lines in a generation. The lines will pass through the Hepburn Shire.
There is general support for increased renewable energy but concern about the placement of the transmission lines and the consultation process engaged in by Ausnet, the builder. Estimates suggest the cost of putting lines underground is 5 to 10 times more than the cost of overhead transmission. There are broader concerns about the impact this would have on electricity prices.
Council has expressed its concerns and established an online page to update the community.
“While Council is supportive of renewable energy, it is strongly opposed to the transmission lines being above ground and the potential location of the transmission station, which will impact on valuable agricultural land and significant landscapes” said Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt.
The webinars will give people an opportunity to hear from and engage with Ausnet.
