Moorabool council is calling for the proposed path of the Western Renewables Link (WRL) to be changed due to its impact on local properties.
The WRL is a proposed 190km overhead high-voltage electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west, and requires the acquisition of an easement corridor 100 metres wide along the path of the proposed transmission line.
The preferred path for the easement comes within as little as 100 metres of certain properties in Moorabool, which mayor Rod Ward said is not best industry practice.
“This setback is far too close to dwellings,” he said.
“The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner recommends that a transmission line which is 500kV or greater should have a setback distance of at least 300 metres from residences. This is measured from the edge of the overhead transmission line easement to the residence, rather than from the transmission line itself.
“We are again asking decision-makers to listen to the concerns of impacted residents and align setback distances with the Commissioner’s recommendations.”
Moorabool council’s High-Voltage Transmission Line Setback Policy was adopted in 2021 and updated in 2022 and aligns with the Energy Infrastructure Commissioner’s most recent annual report from June 2023.
An AusNet spokesperson said the easement varies along the route to allow for changes in terrain, property boundaries, buffer zones and to avoid houses and other significant features such vegetation and sites of cultural heritage.
“Wherever we can, the easement will be as far away as possible from houses. We have tried to keep this distance to at least 300 metres, which is the distance also recommended by the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner,” they said.
“There are some areas where 300 metres is not achievable, particularly in built-up areas such as near Sydenham.”
Council also invested in several technical reviews of AusNet’s underground construction reports to ensure underground options are being meaningfully considered, which would reduce the significant social and environmental impacts of the project.
Cr Ward said council is yet to hear back from AusNet in response to this feedback.
A Victorian government spokesperson said guidance is being developed by VicGrid to determine how properties that closely neighbour transmission lines will be fairly compensated.
“The environmental, social and economic impacts of projects are currently being considered as part of the Environmental Effects Statement process, which includes a thorough investigation of project alternatives, including undergrounding.”
“New transmission is vital for securing affordable power for Victorians and keeping the lights on as our ageing coal-fired generators close,“ they said.
