VicGrid, the Victorian Government agency in charge of electricity transmission planning, released in May 2025 a Draft Victorian Transmission Plan . This long-term plan lays out how the state will upgrade its power infrastructure to support a future powered by renewable energy.
The draft identifies seven Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and seven Priority Transmission Projects needed across the state. One of these zones, the Wimmera Southern Mallee REZ, is set to cover the northern part of the local area. A key project, the North West Strengthening Program, includes building a major transmission line through this region.
Council endorsed the submission (as attached)(PDF, 644KB) as Council's formal response to the draft plan, inclusive of words that identify:
a. the need for ensuring appropriate management and compensation for landholders who experience damage to crops during the works stage;
b. equitable compensation for landholders impacted by transmission line upgrades,
c. the investigation of old stock routes across the municipalities for the location of transmission lines.
Council urges VicGrid to:
- Protect valuable farmland and maintain agricultural productivity,
- Ensure transparent and fair approvals that involve and support local communities, and
- Create real, lasting benefits for regional economies.
