Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) this week advised landholders that the expected completion date for the VNI West transmission project was extending from 2028 to late 2030.

TCV Spokesperson, Claire Cass, said the updated timeline reflects revised planning, design and construction assumptions for one of Victoria’s most significant energy infrastructure projects.

“The new construction completion target allows more time for detailed environmental, geotechnical and cultural assessments, along with more meaningful landholder engagement on access and easement arrangements,” Ms Cass said.

“We know this updated timeline may be frustrating, but we’re committed to working with landholders respectfully and providing the support they need to consider what is best for them, their properties, and farming or business operations.

“While the timeline has shifted, the critical purpose of VNI West remains the same – to deliver the infrastructure needed to keep Victoria’s lights on, and to help put downward pressure on electricity prices,” she said.

The controversial project’s timeline extension showed the landholders deserved more respect, according to Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster.

Dr Webster seized on the news as an admission that, to date, social licence and landowner consultation had been substandard.

“Mallee constituents have been telling me they are very unhappy with how they have been treated by TCV and ‘VicGrid’, the Victorian Government’s deployment arm for VNI-West,” Dr Webster said.

“As I wrote last month, Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and VicGrid’s CEO received frosty receptions in the electorate due to the division their plans are causing in our communities. Mallee residents feel their evidence of personal and local impacts simply has not been listened to, to date.

“Mallee residents strongly believe farmers and landowners deserve, and are not getting, a fair go. They are horrified to hear the Victorian Government is threatening fines of up to $12,000 if landowners do not comply with the railroading of energy projects, through a radical new bill in State Parliament,” said Dr Webster.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 3 July 2025.