Buloke Shire Council, The Buloke Times
Recent media reporting has incorrectly suggested that Buloke Shire Council, along with neighbouring councils, has entered into a $100 million deal with VicGrid in relation to the VNI West transmission project.
This is incorrect.
A Five Shire Alliance — comprising Buloke, Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, and West Wimmera — met last Thursday to agree on three major regional priorities to advocate for in relation to VNI West. They are:
- Fair and equitable compensation for all affected farmers along the route.
- Access to wholesale electricity prices for communities hosting new generation and transmission assets.
- Legacy housing projects to deliver long-term benefit to our rural towns.
The Five Shire Alliance will be meeting with the Victorian Minister for Energy on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, to advance these priorities on behalf of our region.
Buloke Shire Council has not entered into any deal with VicGrid, AEMO, or any other entity. Advocacy is ongoing to ensure that the interests of our farming and wider communities are fully protected and respected.
Additionally, comments attributed to Buloke Mayor Cr Alan Getley in recent media coverage were taken out of context. Cr Getley’s remarks related to the importance of securing tangible and lasting benefits for affected communities, not to the acceptance of any funding offer or agreement.
Buloke Shire Council remains fully committed to transparency, to standing up for our landholders and residents, and to ensuring that any future developments respect the wishes and wellbeing of our communities.
If residents have concerns or would like further clarification, they are encouraged to contact Council directly.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 2 May 2025.
Related story: Northern Grampians withdraws from five-council alliance