The Western Renewables Link (WRL) has reached a significant milestone, with its Environment Effects Statement to go on public exhibition from 30 June 2025.
During the exhibition period, community members and landholders will be able to review the full Environment Effects Statement (EES) and the draft Planning Scheme Amendment, and make a formal submission using the Engage Victoria submissions page to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Anyone making a submission may also request to be heard at the independent inquiry that follows.
The submission contains technical reports outlining the potential environmental, cultural and heritage, and social impacts of the proposed 190 kilometre transmission line from Bulgana in Western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.
As ageing coal-fired power stations are retired and become less reliable, WRL will play a critical role in securing Victoria’s energy future. By connecting new renewable generation through Renewable Energy Zones, WRL will deliver cleaner, more reliable energy to homes and businesses.
Gerard Carew, AusNet General Manager, Major Projects and lead for the Western Renewables Link, said the EES exhibition will be significant for landholders and local communities.
“While the project has been in the planning stage we have undertaken a wide range of studies along the proposed route. We are pleased to announce we are now ready to exhibit those findings,” he said.
“Importantly, the EES has been shaped not only by extensive consultation with landholders, communities, businesses, Traditional Owners, and government representatives, but also through the ongoing involvement of the Technical Reference Group (TRG). Over the past two years the TRG, comprising representatives from a range of stakeholder and interest groups, has played a critical role in reviewing and advising on the technical studies throughout the process,” said Mr Carew.
“The exhibition of the EES provides a formal opportunity for individuals, community groups, businesses, government bodies and other stakeholders to review the comprehensive set of technical studies and reports, and to have their say by making a submission.”
To make the EES as accessible as possible, physical copies of the documents will be available at nine locations along the proposed route during the exhibition period in: Stawell, Beaufort, Ballarat, Creswick, Daylesford, Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Melton and Melbourne and all documents will be available on the project website.
AusNet will also host a series of information sessions and community drop in events where people can review material and speak directly with technical specialists.
The EES will be on public exhibition from the week commencing Monday 30 June 2025 for 40 business days.
Background
To support the preparation of the EES, the Department of Transport and Planning Impact Assessment Unit convened an inter-agency Technical Reference Group (TRG) to provide expert advice on the scope and adequacy of the studies, and to assist with coordination across statutory processes. The TRG includes representatives from: DTP (Impact Assessment, Planning, and Transport), DEECA (Grampians Region and Energy), First Peoples-State Relations, Regional Development Victoria, Agriculture Victoria, Heritage Victoria, relevant Registered Aboriginal Parties, local councils, Catchment Management Authorities, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water, CFA, the Victorian Planning Authority, Energy Safe, and the Environment Protection Authority. While TRG members do not endorse the project, their input has contributed to an EES informed by a wide range of technical, environmental, cultural, and planning expertise.
The Minister for Planning will appoint an inquiry and advisory committee to review public submissions received on the EES and the draft Planning Scheme Amendment. The committee will review public submissions and conduct a public hearing, anticipated to take place during the fourth quarter of 2025 and first quarter of 2026. Following the hearing, the Inquiry and Advisory Committee will provide a written report to the Minister, outlining its conclusions and recommendations to inform the Minister’s Assessment. The Minister will then consider the inquiry report, the EES and public submissions, along with responses to submissions as part of the final step in the EES process, the Ministers assessment.