Route of least resistance, claims MP

LODDON communities had been given minimal detail on the new preferred VNI West route, Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad has told State Parliament.

Ms Broad said the the last-minute change to the planned route had left a swathe of rural communities in limbo.

“I have asked the Government to commit to establishing a proper consultation process on the proposed new route,” she said.

“Some locals believe the Government has simply taken the route of least resistance on this issue. Last August, it was announced that the Kerang Link was the preferred option but now we find a completely new option has been thrown into the mix, with minimal consultation with councils and residents.”

The new preferred route runs from St Arnaud, between Wedderburn and Charlton through to Boort, Pyramid Hill and Echuca.

The Government claimed it had enabled the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to start work early on the project, known as VNI West. The scheme would