Northern Grampians Shire Council has expressed concern about VNI West Geotech Drilling Communication and the Council's Role in Renewable Energy Developments.
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Field surveys along the proposed VNI West draft corridor have begun.
Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) initiated a Geotech drilling program in the Northern Grampians Shire in May.
Concerns about poor communication with neighboring farmers have been raised, giving the impression that the VNI West transmission line is a done deal.
According to the NGSC CEO, Mr Brent McAlister, that may not be the case.
Drilling was halted in early May and is due to restart on May 13.
According to documents provided to the public, the Geotech drilling program will assist TCV in developing a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors such as flora and fauna, as well as geological characteristics within the area.
Northern Grampians Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Mr Brent McAlister stated that the Council is concerned about the drilling program's poor communication with adjoining farmers.
"While we did approve a Works Within Road Reserve Permit given our statutory obligations, we are concerned with the poor communication with local farmers about why this was occurring.
It gives the impression that the VNI West transmission line is a done deal. As a municipal authority, we have a Road Authority responsibility, and it would not be appropriate for us to treat a permit application as anything more than a works site on the side of the road in our assessment of it.
This is a separate matter to our significant concerns regarding the transmission line corridor; in this matter, we feel that a lot is lacking from the perspective of the farmers on the ground", said Mr McAlister.
"It is a necessity for enhanced efforts to ensure transparent and timely communication, along with targeted engagement with local stakeholders on matters affecting the community by TCV," emphasised Mr. McAlister.
Northern Grampians Shire Mayor, Cr Rob Haswell, also believes that more consideration should be given to those on the ground and wants to clarify that the councillors of Northern Grampians Shire are standing with farmers.
"The transformation of the energy sector in Australia is a complex matter that has landed squarely on our agenda. What is clear to us is that the VNI West line tentatively marked on the map of Victoria represents genuine infrastructure constructed along tracts of land within the bounds of our shire. The decisions and actions related to this pathway will significantly impact real people, land, and livelihoods, as this is always at the forefront of my mind for both my fellow councillors and me. We have and will continue to advocate for community impacts to be clearly identified and mitigated. We will also continue to advocate for benefit sharing and alignment with community needs," said Cr Haswell.
"Our role as a council with renewable energy proposed developments is to strongly advocate for our farming communities and towns within our regulatory and legislative responsibilities. The council will act to ensure any renewable energy-related impacts are mitigated, and benefits are captured and shared, and we will achieve this by acting as a vital link between our community, renewable energy proponents, and government."
"We strongly support our farming communities and advocate to protect our agricultural industry and unique natural values. We set expectations for industry and other levels of government to meaningfully engage our community early, with clarity and respect. We engage early and meaningfully with industry and government on projects in the shire, and we advocate for community impacts to be identified and mitigated, as well as for benefit sharing and alignment with community needs."
"As stated above, it is only reasonable to expect that industry and other levels of government communicate effectively.
"As councillors, we work to these same set expectations and do our best to engage with industry and government on projects within our shire," added Cr Haswell.
