VNI West

Communities and landowners encouraged to review short-listed routes for major transmission project VNI West

29 January 2024

Transgrid is encouraging communities and landowners in the state’s Murray River region to review the preferred route for the new interconnector project VNI West, which once completed, will accelerate the energy transition and greatly increase the sharing of cheaper, renewable electricity for millions of Australians.

Project Director Colin Mayer said “Today we have published the Draft Route Report for VNI West, developed in consultation with communities and stakeholders. It shows the short-listed routes, including the preliminary preferred route, for the section of VNI West from the Dinawan substation to the Murray River in NSW.

“It is one of four routes considered in the planning process and this report outlines all options, the benefits and risks for each and the community and stakeholder consultation which supported the process.

“We strongly encourage people to review the information and provide us with their feedback on this critical transmission project”.

VNI West is being jointly developed with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) and will connect major projects EnergyConnect in NSW and Western Renewables Link in Victoria. It is recognised by the Australian Energy Market Operator as a priority project in its 2022 Integrated System Plan.

The release of the Draft Route Report follows extensive consultation with communities and landowners throughout last year which led to an expansion of the corridor footprint. Amendments were made to the corridor in a number of locations in direct response to landowner feedback. Considerations of local environment and agricultural land use, cultural heritage and biodiversity have also informed the planning for the preferred route found on the updated (interactive map).

Community Consultative Group (CCG) meetings are continuing to enable discussions between Transgrid, communities, businesses, landowners, and councils about project planning before finalising the route. Community information sessions will be held at:

  • Moulamein Bowling Club - Wednesday 7 February 2024, 4pm – 6pm
  • Deniliquin RSL - Thursday 8 February 2024, 12noon – 2pm
  • Jerilderie Sports Club - Friday 9 February 2024, 11am – 1pm

And drop-in information sessions held at:

  • Moulamein [at Moulamein Bowling Club, Endeavour Drive]
    • Tuesday 13 February 2024, 10am – 4pm
    • Wednesday 28 February 2024, 10am – 4pm
  • Deniliquin
    • Deniliquin, Tuesday 13 February 2024, 10am – 4pm at Deniliquin RSL (72 End Street)
    • Deniliquin, Friday 1 March to Sunday 3 March, at Deniliquin Show (Memorial Drive)
  • Barham [at CluBarham – Barham Services Club, cnr Murray and Neimur Streets]
    • Wednesday 14 February 2024, 10am – 4pm
    • Tuesday 27 February 2024, 3pm – 6pm
  • Conargo [at Conargo Hall, Conargo Road]
    • Wednesday 14 February 2024, 8.30am – 12noon
    • Thursday 29 February 2024, 8.30am – 11am
  • Wanganella [at Wanganella Hall, cnr Cobb Highway and Lang Street]
    • Thursday 15 February 2024, 8.30am – 12noon
    • Thursday 29 February 2024, 3pm – 5pm
  • Jerilderie
    • Thursday 15 February 2024, 10am – 4pm at Jerilderie Sports Club (Jerilderie Street / Newell Highway)
    • Saturday 2 March, at Jerilderie Fun Fair (Monash Park, Nowranie Street).

All stakeholders will be able to provide feedback via email until Monday March 4, 2024 at 5pm. The final route will be confirmed in late March 2024 and detailed studies to assess environmental and social impacts will commence, as part of the formal environmental assessment and approvals process.

For more information on the project: https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects-innovation/vni-west. Feedback can also be provided by sending a submission by email to vniw@transgrid.com.au  

 

Transgrid media:

Michelle Stone 0438 293917