Page 6 The Moorabool News – 15 March, 2022
News
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Powerline win in NSW inspires Victorians By Lachlan Ellis There is hope, after a decision by the New South Wales Energy Minister inspired powerline protesters here in Victoria, with a powerline corridor altered in NSW, due to public pressure. A planned 180-kilometre corridor, through fertile farmlands from Merriwa to Wellington in eastern NSW, had affected farmers up in arms. But after a year of fighting by the Merriwa-Cassilis Alliance (MCA), NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean changed the route to align with the existing Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone, using more land owned by mining companies to lessen impacts on agriculture. The news from the Upper Hunter region was reposted on social media by Darley Power Fight, with the caption “Public pressure is what it takes. Keep up the fight.” Head of Darley Power Fight Darren Edwards said he was encouraged by the triumph of people power in New South Wales. “I think on a holistic view, if we look at the future of Victoria’s grid and its security…I think undergrounding is the optimal solution as far as we’re all concerned. But you can’t put all your eggs in one basket, you have to have other options,” he told the Moorabool News. “Before undergrounding, the best practice was to utilise existing corridors wherever possible. AusNet will come back and say ‘that’s not possible because the corridor’s constrained’…but it’s achievable by upgrading those existing easements by HVDC because you can transport three times as much power with the same level of infrastructure. “But that’s not something that’s being looked at at all in Victoria, and I think that’s because our transmission network is owned and operated by private enterprises, and those private enterprises want to increase their asset base,” Mr Edwards said. The main difference between the Upper Hunter decision and the ongoing WVTNP debate, Mr Edwards said, was the level of State Government intervention. “The difference with the Upper Hunter is that the State Government there has become sick of the lack of consultation or poor consultation from TransGrid, and decided they need to take the reins of the consultation process, and redirect the line to have less impact on agricultural land,” he said. “The challenge we’re facing here in Victoria is the fact that the current Government isn’t prepared to enact the powers they have to get this project back on track. I think one of the community’s concerns is that this will delay our transition to renewables.”
Community Information Sessions Grampians disAbility Advocacy invites you to a community information session about the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The Disability Royal Commission is taking submissions up until December 31, 2022. Speakers from advocacy, legal services, counselling and the Royal Commission will be there.
Sessions will be held at Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre 13 Camp Street, Daylesford
on May 24th 2 - 4pm and
Bacchus Marsh Public Hall
Pricing based on twin share. Single supplement fee applies. For terms and condiions visit our website. Free home pick-up & return available for Bacchus Marsh and Ballan only.
207 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
on May 26th 2 - 4pm
Both sessions are free with afternoon tea provided and door prizes. Please register by phoning 1800 552 272 or via email admin@grampiansadvocacy.org.au - Please advise of any dietary or access requirements -