Buloke Shire Council, The Buloke Times

Buloke Shire Council elected representatives and officers recently participated in an online meeting with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV).

The request to meet was initiated from TCV and was communicated to Council via email, indicating a public announcement was to be made, regarding the VNI West transmission project.

Council accepted the invitation in good faith, based on TCV’s indication that an important update on the project would be shared. However, during the meeting, Council was advised that no announcement would, in fact, be made. Instead, the meeting was re-framed by TCV as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Council and improve consultation processes.

Council expressed its disappointment at the lack of transparency and the absence of any substantive information or a detailed agenda for the meeting, particularly given the expectations that had been set. The meeting was concluded shortly thereafter.

Protest

At the time of the meeting, a large crowd of community members had gathered outside Council’s Wycheproof office in protest against the VNI West project and proposed renewable energy developments.

Following the meeting, Mayor Alan Getley and Deputy Mayor Graeme Milne addressed the community, conveying their own frustration and disappointment at the outcome, and reaffirming Council’s commitment to advocating for the interests of the Buloke community.

Minister’s visit

Council appreciates the recent in-person visit by current Minister for Energy and Resources in Victoria, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio MP, who also serves as the Minister for Climate Action and the Minister for the State Electricity Commission.

The visit presented an hour-long opportunity for discussion and questions, which included members of the community. However, the timing of the visit on Wednesday, June 11, occurred just prior to the release of a proposed amendment by the Minister to the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 on Thursday, June 19.

Council has found the lack of information regarding this proposed amendment extremely disappointing, despite the significant impacts on our region being made clear to the Minister in person and her mutual agreement to a process that has thus far lacked effective communication, engagement and transparency.

The proposed amendment, adjourned for debate in parliament until July 3, 2025, seeks to consolidate energy infrastructure planning and streamline renewable energy development under a single statutory authority, VicGrid. The bill grants VicGrid new powers to manage grid access, plan Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and deliver major transmission projects, shifting authority from the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

Significant shift

The legislation empowers VicGrid to implement the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan and marks a significant shift from the current requirement for voluntary land access agreements, which will have major implications for rural and farming communities like those within the Buloke Shire.

Council was not informed of this amendment during the Minister’s visit, despite its relevance and impact on affected landowners, some of which were present and engaged in the discussion held.

Council remains firm in its position that early, transparent, and respectful communication must be a priority from both project proponents and government agencies.

Council will continue to advocate strongly for the rights of its residents, particularly landowners and primary producers, as developments in the VNI West project and broader energy reforms progress.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 1 August 2025.