Ewen McRae
By Ewen McRae
Community angst is growing over plans for 190 kilometres of overhead transmission lines through Moorabool and Melton.
The Western Victoria Transmission Network Project is set to begin in Bulgana in Victoria’s west, with transmission lines and towers to be constructed between there and Sydenham.
However, community members are concerned about the potential fire hazards such a long stretch of power lines may cause, as well as impacts on the environment and the visual look of the region.
Concerned residents have formed the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance, and steering committee member Emma Muir said their concerns were real.
“Our main concern is the fire risk,” Ms Muir said.
“It will go through a lot of bush between Ballarat and Sydenham, and where it hits the Lerderderg State Park is a real problem spot. It’s a bonfire waiting to happen and if you put a power line alongside that I think you’re asking for trouble and fatalities like Black Saturday.
“We’re just wondering why we will be landed with outdated technology when in the 21st century we should be doing things cleverly and more greenly than putting up power lines and ruining our landscape.
“We’re not saying it shouldn’t happen, and we understand that this power is required, but we just think there needs to be a modern look at it going on existing easements or go underground.”
While the exact route for the power lines has not been released, a number of landowners along the area of interest have been contacted by the project operators.
AusNet Services have been appointed to plan, construct and operate the project, and has started holding consultation sessions with the community via Zoom.
AusNet Services executive general manager of growth and future networks, Chad Hymas, said community input was vital to the project’s success.
“Community input is fundamental. We warmly welcome anyone with an interest in the project to visit our website, where you can learn more about the project and have your say,” he said.
“This project is all about Victoria’s energy future, unlocking renewable sources and bringing major economic investment to western Victoria and its local economy.”
Moorabool council has written to AusNet Servies urging for the project to be delivered via underground transmission lines, but AusNet says that the industry standard is for above ground towers.
