The Victorian Government has recently introduced legislation allowing energy companies to compulsorily acquire private land for transmission lines before the necessary environmental assessments have been completed.
The Government argues these changes are necessary to prevent the collapse of the energy system and to meet Victoria’s renewable energy target of 65% by 2030 and 95% by 2035 to address rapidly warming climate due to fossil fuel emissions.
To connect new wind and solar farms to the grid, thousands of kilometres of new transmission lines are needed. The Government claims the traditional acquisition processes are too slow to prevent energy shortages as coal plants close. The new laws allow compulsory acquisition to happen while Environment Effects Statements are completed, thereby bringing consistency with other ”Big Build” Projects.
To dampen the blow, the government introduced a payment scheme in 2023. Landholders hosting new transmission easements receive $8000 per year per kilometre for 25 years in addition to standard upfront compensation for land value loss.
However, Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Tony Clark says, “This development is deeply distressing for those affected. It is a decision that was made without consultation or explanation. The change enables companies such as AusNet and VicGrid to compulsorily acquire land before a project has even been formally approved by the Minister, and before a comprehensive environmental effects assessment process has been completed”.
“We need urgent clarification from the government on what these changes mean for our local farmers who have not had a voice in relation to this change,” he said.
Hearings on the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project have now concluded where Council presented evidence from experts in tourism, agriculture, solutions for an underground line, and visual amenity.
Cr Clark, said Council’s legal representatives made a strong case to the panel, emphasising the unique character of Hepburn Shire and its importance to both the region and the broader Victorian community.
“Council has been working closely with the affected communities, who have remained passionately engaged throughout the process and we would like to thank them for their tireless efforts. *Council and *our diverse community have invested significant time and resources to oppose this project in its current form,” he said.
Council established a community working group five years ago to collaboratively review the WRL project and assess its potential impacts on the Shire’s community.
Kain Richardson, community working group member and Chair of Kingston and District Power Alliance, said Council’s representation of the community during the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process had been vital.
“Hepburn Shire Council has highlighted key impacts on farming, tourism, fire management and community health to ensure the inquiry understands what truly matters to our community. We value the expertise and professionalism Council has brought to the EES process.”
Council will continue to stand alongside our community in opposing the WRL project.
The Inquiry and Advisory Committee, appointed by the Minister for Planning, will now consider all submissions, presentations and evidence to inform its report and recommendations to the Minister on the EES and the draft Planning Scheme Amendment. The Committee is required to submit its report within 40 business days from the last day of proceedings. The Minister for Planning will then make a decision following an assessment of the environmental effects of the project after considering the Committee’s report as well as the EES, submissions, and any other relevant matters.
