Hepburn Shire Council has formally lodged its “vehement opposition” to the Western Renewables Link Project (WRL), with its submission to the proposal’s Environmental Effects Statement.
AusNet Mondo is planning a 190km overhead high voltage transmission line from Sydenham near Melbourne to Bulgana in western Victoria. The transmission line will cross Hepburn Shire from east to west through the Mt Prospect, Newlyn, Kingston and Smeaton communities.
Mayor, Don Henderson says the submission outlines the multitude of reasons why the project should not go ahead as planned.
He said the submission will be further supported by Council’s legal representation at an upcoming hearing, along with expert evidence to be provided by subject matter experts.
“For around four years Council has fought to deter the AusNet Transmission Group’s plans to install massive, 80-metre-high transmission lines through our Shire,” the Mayor said.
“Our prime agricultural land, which forms part of the Central Highlands food bowl, cannot be overrun with these towers.”
Vicki Johnson, one of the first members of Council’s Western Renewables Link Community Working Group, established in August 2020, said that the collaboration with Council has been crucial in developing a joint understanding of the devastating impacts the project will have on the region.
“The adverse social and economic impacts from WRL will be far reaching, causing a range of serious effects on the Shire’s biodiversity, visitor economy, sensitive landscapes, cultural heritage, bushfire management, the long-term viability of our strategically important agricultural land, road network, and the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid,” said Ms Johnson.
“It has been an excellent opportunity to work with Council and ensuring the community’s voice is heard. The forum has empowered community members to contribute ideas, offer suggestions, and advocate for local needs.”
Since 2021, Council has been strongly opposed to the project due to its route, above-ground configuration, and the “devastating effects” it will have on the Shire’s farming and broader communities.
“Our agricultural and tourist trades are the lifeblood of our region, if this project were to go ahead as planned, it would have distressing impacts on our farmers and communities,” said Mayor Henderson.
He said Council will continue to advocate for the community and urged the Victorian Government to carefully consider the destructive impacts the project will have on the region’s agriculture land, land values, biodiversity and habitat, mental health and wellbeing, roads and infrastructure and bushfire risk.
Council’s submission along with other key documents and background information can be found on the dedicated Western Renewables Link project page on Participate Hepburn.
