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Victoria New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West)
Reaction to unexpected REZ’s expansion: Council’s deep disappointment
Buloke Shire Council has expressed deep disappointment with the State Government's handling of a major expansion to Victoria's REZs, which now push significantly into Buloke communities. The major extension of the Grampians-Wimmera REZ now extends into Buloke's west near Curyo and Wilkur and the NW REZ has shifted closer to the north-east of Charlton.
Transmission meetings disappoint Council
Buloke Shire Council ... 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 ... Council was not informed of this amendment during Minister D’Ambrosio’s visit, despite its relevance and impact on affected landowners, some of which were present and engaged in the discussion held.
Energy transition must not trample farmers’ rights: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has reacted with concern following recent comments from Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, warning that the State Government’s energy transition risks alienating the very communities it needs most.
Council seeks improved transparency
At its July Council Meeting, Buloke Shire Council moved a motion for Council to write to relevant Ministers and Departments to seek genuine engagement between Council, the Government and the Buloke Shire community following the recent visit of the Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio, MP, Minister for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on June 11, 2025. The Notice of Motion expressed disappointment in the Minister for failing to inform Councillors of major legislative changes tabled just eight days later ...
VNI West completion dates pushed back
Transmission Company Victoria ... 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 controversial project's timeline extension showed the landholders deserved more respect, according to Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster.
Commissioner hears transmission pain in Moulamein
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Tony Mahar, met with locals in Moulamein on Tuesday to listen to their experience of the country's energy transition to date ... many of the complaints heard were not new to Commissioner Mahar. “Community engagement is nowhere near where it needs to be.”
“No show” from transmission company: Farmers rally at Wycheproof
Carey Brennan. Around 200 farmers rallied at Wycheproof on Friday, June 20, outside the Buloke Shire Offices ready to greet TCV staff when they arrived to meet with Councillors … Shortly before the meeting, TCV notified Cr Getley that they had concerns for their safety after receiving advice from Vic. Police and would no longer be attending…
Birchip hosts renewables and mining meeting
The community of Birchip, an epicentre of three wind farm proposals and four significant mineral sands mining retention licences, played host to a community meeting addressing turbines, lines, mines and property rights ... Three key speakers addressed an audience exceeding three hundred people from across Western Victoria, who filled the Birchip Leisure Centre to capacity.
Council rejects VNI West project in its current form
Northern Grampians Shire councillors will call on the State Government to find an alternative to its VNI West transmission line project amid fears for the nation’s food security along with community mental health and wellbeing. Victoria to NSW Interconnector West – known as VNI West – is a proposed new 500kV double circuit transmission line connecting high-voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria.
VNI West loses social license
Despite our vast natural resources, Australia now has some of the highest electricity prices in the world and the road to “renewables” seems bumpier than ever. The Gannawarra Shire Council meeting last week, saw a motion to oppose the VNI West electricity transmission project planned to pass through the municipality, approved. (April fools image)
