Environment Effects Statement process set to begin for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project 

AusNet has welcomed the decision by the Victorian Minister for Planning that an Environment Effects Statement (EES) is required for the Western Victorian Transmission Network Project.

An EES is an environmental impact assessment process that provides an important opportunity for consideration of a range of potential environmental impacts. These environmental factors include the physical, biological, heritage, cultural, social, health, safety and economic aspects of the environment, and the wider ecological and physical systems in which people live.

AusNet Project Director Mr Francisco Vizcaino says an EES is the most robust environmental impact assessment process a project can undergo in Victoria and provides important opportunities for community input and the consideration of a range of potential environmental impacts.

“AusNet is committed to delivering a sensitively designed and located overhead transmission line that minimises impacts to communities and the environment.

“We welcome the opportunity the EES provides for the analysis of potential effects on the environment and how we are proposing to avoid, minimise and manage any adverse impacts. This process will help us strike the right balance between minimising impact to the local environment while unlocking renewable energy sources and major economic investment in western Victoria.”

Western Victoria is an important renewable energy generation region. This project will deliver critical state significant infrastructure to connect affordable, renewable energy generated in western Victoria to the broader network.

When fully operational in 2025, the approximate 190km transmission line will extend from Bulgana in Victoria’s west to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west via a new terminal station north of Ballarat.

An Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) referral for the project has also been lodged to consider impacts to Matters of National Environmental Significance. The public has an opportunity to provide comment on the referral, which is available at http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/referralslist/

Information on how to make a public comment on the EPBC referral can be found at http://epbcnotices.environment.gov.au/

More information about the project can be found at www.westvictnp.com.au/