Prone to extreme weather events, Victoria's regional and urban fringes have seen fire and extreme winds cause an enormous amount of damage to communities and their energy infrastructure.
That's why a Matt Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will introduce a $50 million plan to support the undergrounding of powerlines and vegetation clearing in bushfire and storm-affected areas.
Labor has been unwilling to minimise the danger of these lines, and Energy Safe Victoria found that vegetation surrounding powerlines poses a significant risk to nearby communities if a fire were to start.
This lack of action has also led to increased risk to powerlines in storm-affected areas including the Mornington Peninsula, Bellarine Peninsula, the Dandenong, Nillumbik Shire, Macedon and Yarra Ranges.
We want less properties to be affected by widespread damage and power outages from natural disasters such as bushfires and storms, and our plan will help ensure that the lights stay on in extreme weather events.
Upon being elected to government, the Liberals and Nationals will commission Vic Grid and Energy Safe Victoria to consult with major energy distributors and local councils to determine the most dangerous powerlines in the state.
Shadow Minister for Energy and Renewables, David Southwick, said the fund will ensure that the energy grid will be stable, safe, and secure for all Victorians no matter the conditions.
"This is a common-sense plan to keep the lights on and Victorians safe," Mr Southwick said.
"Only a Matt Guy led Government will underground more than a hundred kilometres of dangerous powerlines to improve energy safety and network integrity."
