As government policies lead to soaring energy prices, the Victorian Government is changing the preferred route and accelerating works on the 500 kilovolt double-circuit overhead transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales.
The path is now set to cross the very floodplains that were inundated in 2011 and 2022. An alternate route that traversed from Kerang to Echuca was abandoned after the identification of cultural heritage risks at Kow Swamp and potential environmental impacts to the Plains-wanderer territory of the Patho Plains.
According to the AEMO report, councils have indicated there is a broader social licence for VNI West crossing the Murray River north of Kerang (option 5a) instead of the Echuca route, and therefore more likelihood of timely implementation.
Gannawarra Shire Councillor Garner Smith said councillors have had little to no input on the project.
“As a councillor, I have been briefed on the existence of this proposal but cannot recall ever being asked to vote on it or put forward an official position,” said Cr Smith.
Mayor Charlie Gillingham is on record stating just like irrigation, the new power lines will transform Gannawarra. “Just like the development of irrigation changed the landscape of northern Victoria in the early 20th century, this project will transform the Gannawarra, enabling renewable projects such as wind, solar and battery storage to proceed in the municipality.”
In the AEMO report, the preferred option for the project is 5a. The planned path will travel through areas with significant environmental sensitivities. The route tracks through the heart of Victorian Floodplain Restoration country. The floodplain country is not only vital in domestic food production but is also home to many endangered species. One example is the Wirra-lo wetlands complex in Murrabit West; the 155Ha darling of Victorian Government agencies showcases the benefits of water within the environment. When the path crosses the river, the proposed route may cross 13 creeks and rivers and habitats of the Southern Bell Frog, Murray-Darling Python and countless water birds.
Food and fibre producers on both sides of the river may be dramatically impacted as the towering steel behemoths, to quote Darryl Kerrigan, “Serve as a reminder of man’s ability to produce electricity.” A 70m wide clearing is required and the towers will also impact aerial agricultural operations.
A meeting was held in Moama on Tuesday morning with a Regional Reference Group (RRG). Earlier this year, Transgrid established a RRG, which sought information from landowners, agricultural organisations, community and environmental groups, traditional owners and government agencies.
Transgrid stated it established the RRG to better understand more about the Murray region and any potential opportunities and issues which may arise from the project. The group started meeting in April of this year.
The VNI West project is currently being assessed for viability and is in the early regulatory assessment stage, however, the project is not yet approved by the Australian Energy Regulator.
Transgrid is planning on releasing a more detailed route map towards the end of June.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 1 June 2023.
