Overview

Overview

Background

Mondo, the commercial arm of Ausnet Transmission Group Pty Ltd, proposes to develop the Western Renewables Link Project (formerly known as the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project) between Bulgana, north of Ararat, and Sydenham, north-west of Melbourne.

The project comprises a new 220 kV transmission line between Bulgana and a new terminal station to be built north of Ballarat, and a new 500 kV transmission line from that new station to a new terminal station to be built adjacent to an existing terminal station at Sydenham.

It includes:

  • two new terminal stations north of Ballarat and at Sydenham
  • upgrades to existing terminal stations at Ballarat and at Elaine, south of Ballarat.

The EES will investigate an area of interest between Bulgana and Sydenham that varies in width from a few kilometres to tens of kilometres, within which alignments are to be identified.

The project is intended to enhance connectivity for renewable energy generation in western Victoria.

Process

Scoping Requirements

Draft Scoping Requirements for this EES were placed on exhibition in November 2020.

After considering public submissions on the draft scoping requirements, the Minister for Planning issued final scoping requirements in December 2020.

Scoping Requirements Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Consultation Plan

Mondo has prepared a consultation plan for the EES, outlining the opportunities and approaches for its community engagement during the preparation of the EES.

The plan may be updated as required during the preparation of the EES. If the plan changes, the updated version will be posted on this page.

Please note: Due to the COVID-19 related state of emergency, face-to-face community consultation may be affected. Please contact the proponent for further information regarding special consultation arrangements while health-related restrictions apply.

Technical Reference Group

The Department has convened an inter-agency Technical Reference Group (TRG) to advise the proponent and the department, as appropriate, on scoping and adequacy of the EES studies during the preparation of the EES, as well as coordination with statutory approval processes.

The organisations represented on the Technical Reference Group are:

  • DTP – Impact Assessment
  • DEECA – Grampians Region
  • DTP – Planning
  • DEECA – Energy
  • First Peoples-State Relations
  • Regional Development Victoria
  • Agriculture Victoria
  • DTP - Transport
  • Heritage Victoria
  • Relevant Registered Aboriginal Parties
  • Relevant Local Councils
  • Relevant Catchment Management Authorities
  • Parks Victoria
  • Melbourne Water
  • Southern Rural Water
  • CFA
  • Victorian Planning Authority
  • Energy Safe Victoria
  • Environment Protection Authority

Technical Reference Group representatives are supported by internal experts on specific aspects of the EES studies.

Minister's Decision

On 4 August 2020 the Minister for Planning required Ausnet Transmission Group Pty Ltd to prepare an environment effects statement (EES) under the Environment Effects Act 1978 to assess the potential environmental effects of the project.

The proponent has referred the project to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

If the Commonwealth Minister determines that the project is a ‘controlled action’ requiring assessment and approval under the EPBC Act, the EES would be undertaken as an accredited process set out in the bilateral agreement between the Australian and Victorian governments under the EPBC Act. It would have to assess the relevant matters of national environmental significance identified in the Commonwealth decision that the project is a 'controlled action'.

More Information

If you have any questions or feedback, please get in touch via the contact details below.

Western Renewables Link Project:
Ausnet Transmission Group Pty Ltd (Ausnet Services)/ Mondo

Website: https://www.westvictnp.com.au/
Phone: 1300 360 795
Email: info@westvictnp.com.au

EES process queries:
Impact Assessment Unit
☎ Phone: (03) 8622 7633
Email: environment.assessment@delwp.vic.gov.au

Documents

Scoping Requirements

EES Consultation Plan

Project documents