Status
On this page:
Background
The Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project is proposed to provide a link in the electricity transmission system between the Murray River and Western Victoria Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) in both Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) and load centres in those jurisdictions, to strengthen the connection between power grids in NSW and Victoria.
The proposed project for assessment in the environment effects statement (EES) comprises the Victorian component of VNI West. This includes the construction of a new 500 kV double-circuit electricity transmission line and associated infrastructure situated within Victoria including a proposed terminal station in Tragowel. The transmission line is proposed to be located in the area between the proposed Western Renewables Link terminal station in Bulgana (this terminal station is not part of the VNI West scope) and the Murray River north of Kerang (at the Victoria and NSW border), to connect to the NSW portion of VNI West.
Public review and inquiry
EES Exhibition
Inquiry and advisory committee
IAC Terms of Reference
Process
Scoping requirements
The scoping requirements set out the matters to be investigated and documented in the EES.
Draft scoping requirements for this EES were on public exhibition between 28 November 2024 and 18 December 2024.
After considering public submissions on the draft scoping requirements, the Minister for Planning approved final scoping requirements in February 2025.
A correction notice has been issued to accompany the final scoping requirements. Section 4.8.1 of the Scoping Requirements for the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West EES incorrectly refers to catchment values in New South Wales. The reference should be to catchment values in Victoria.
Consultation plan
Transmission Company Victoria has prepared a consultation plan for the EES, outlining the opportunities and approaches for 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.
Technical Reference Group
The department has convened an inter-agency Technical Reference Group at the request of the Minister for Planning to advise the department and the proponent on scoping and adequacy of the EES studies and documentation, as well as coordination of the EES process with other statutory processes for the project.
The organisations represented on the Technical Reference group are:
- Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) – Impact Assessment
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) – Planning and Environment Assessment
- DTP Planning
- Buloke Shire Council
- Gannawarra Shire Council
- Loddon Shire Council
- Northern Grampians Shire Council
- EPA Victoria
- Goulburn Murray Water
- North Central Catchment Management Authority
- First Peoples – State Relations
- Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
- Heritage Victoria
- Agriculture Victoria
- Country Fire Authority
- Vic Grid.
Technical Reference Group representatives are supported by technical experts on specific aspects of the EES studies.
Minister’s decision on referral
On 13 April 2024 the Minister for Planning required Transmission Company Victoria to prepare an environment effects statement (EES) under the Environment Effects Act 1978 to assess the potential environmental effects of the project.
Referral decision (reasons and statement of decision) is on project page.
More information
If you have any questions or feedback, please get in touch via the contact details below.
Proposed Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West project queries:
Transmission Company Victoria
Phone: 1800 824 221
Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au
Website: https://www.transmissionvictoria.com.au
EES process queries:
Impact Assessment Unit
Phone: (03) 8622 7633
Email: environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au
Page last updated: 05/10/26