Hepburn Shire will hold ‘drop-in’ sessions to give community members advice on preparing submissions to the Environmental Effects Statement for the Wester Victoria Transmission Network Project.

AusNet has released details of the proposed route, part of which goes through the Western part of the Shire, including a terminal station at Newlyn. The transmission line will connect new renewable energy generation to the grid.

While there is strong community support for increased renewable energy, there has been criticism and opposition to the building of the required transmission line. Hepburn Shire Council is strongly opposed to the proposed route and the terminal station.

Council wants the route changed and the lines to be placed underground. AusNet maintains it has consulted extensively with the community and that putting the cables underground would be prohibitively expensive.

AusNet is required to prepare and environmental effects statement to assess the potential environmental effects of the project.

“The sessions will help residents understand the most effective ways to make a submission to the EES for the WVTN project and answer any questions they may have,” said Cr Tim Drylie, Hepburn Mayor.

The sessions are:

  • 14-18 February 2022- 9am – 5pm – Drop in, Creswick Hub
  • 17 February 2022 – 3pm – 8pm – 5 x 1-hour sessions by appointment, up to 10 people per session – Newlyn Recreation Reserve
  • 20 February 2022 – 11am – 3pm – 4 x 1-hour sessions by appointment, up to 10 people per session – Smeaton Bowls Club
  • 25 February 2022 – 10am – 4pm – Drop in, The Warehouse – Clunes

For further information see the Council website.