Motions for policy change re transmission lines adopted
Published on 08 July 2022
Motions submitted by Moorabool Shire Council to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) were adopted at the National General Assembly and State Council meeting, held on 20-22 June and 24 June respectively.
The motions advocate for reforming the regulatory process for major transmission network projects, calling on the state and federal governments to develop policies for:
- Conducting and integrating community engagement findings when planning for and delivering renewable energy high-voltage transmission projects.
- Ensuring all future high-voltage transmission projects will be required to investigate the lowest social, environmental and economic impact technologies and design options available.
“The current regulatory process for major transmission network projects is not fit for purpose, and we are encouraged that our local government colleagues are with us on this issue,” Moorabool Mayor, Cr Tom Sullivan said.
Council is supportive of Australia’s transition to renewable energy and recognises that new energy infrastructure is central to achieving this. However, it is of concern that insufficient weight is being given to understanding and integrating community voice and environmental impacts from the outset of infrastructure planning.
Moorabool is one of the local government areas impacted by the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project, recently rebranded the Western Renewables Link. The project proposes to construct a 190 km overhead high-voltage transmission line throughout western Victoria, approximately 60km of which is in Moorabool Shire.
“It is critical that planning for and designing new infrastructure considers potential environmental impacts and community views at the earliest opportunity, while there is still capacity to facilitate locally appropriate development,” Cr Sullivan added.
Council will continue to advocate for all levels of government to work together to achieve Australia’s renewable energy transition without unacceptable burden on communities and the environment.
To find out more about Council’s response to the Western Renewables Link, visit moorabool.vic.gov.au/transmissionlines