Sarah Oliver
A community meeting will be held tomorrow evening in Melton about the planned overhead transmission line route that will cut through the community, if installed.
Organised by the Stop AusNet Towers (SAT) Melton group the event will have Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur, Melton MP Steve McGhie in attendance and the election candidate for Hawke, Sam Rae.
Chair of SAT Melton, Barbara Ford, said the event has been organised as a way to help the community be aware of the project.
“We’re giving people an opportunity to help join the fight against [the towers],” Ms Ford said.
“I just feel that if enough people don’t know about it now…we’ll be stuck with it and so will the future generations.”
In a statement from November 29, Melton council expressed their disappointment at AusNet’s proposed route for the towers.
“AusNet Services has proposed an overhead route despite calls from the community to explore an underground line and alternate routes,” the statement read.
“The Minister for Planning also requested AusNet Services undertake an Environmental Effects Statement which would consider alternate corridors, alignments, and site locations.
“Council believes AusNet Services’ current package of reports and investigations fails to consider other viable options and does not comply with the minister’s scoping requirements.”
Melton mayor Goran Kesic said council don’t believe their concerns have been adequately addressed and explored.
“It is critically important that AusNet Services continues to fully explore underground lines, and alternate routes for the benefit of our community. This is in accordance with the minister’s expectations,” Cr Kesic said.
“Council supports the transition toward green energy sources, however we cannot ignore the detrimental impact this project would have on our community.”
The event will be held at the Melton community hall from 7pm, Wednesday December 8.
