In response to TransGrid's latest draft route for the proposed VNI West transmission line, Murray River Council have once again thrown support behind calls for the line to be routed underground.
In a formal submission to Transgrid, Council urged decision-makers to consider the longer-term benefits of undergrounding the line.
This follows wide-spread community concern for the current proposed pathway which would see a series of high voltage transmission lines traverse through valuable agricultural land at Moulamein.
Council's submission highlighted the following considerations:
- Protection of Agricultural Land: Our region boasts high-value agricultural land, which is essential for our local economy. We believe that overhead transmission lines would pose a significant risk to this vital resource. By advocating for undergrounding, we aim to safeguard our agricultural industry and the livelihoods it supports;
- Preservation of Natural Beauty and Tourism: The Murray River region is renowned for its natural beauty and attracts visitors from far and wide. Overhead lines would not only disrupt the scenic landscape but also hinder tourism activities. Undergrounding the transmission lines would help preserve the charm and appeal of our region for residents and visitors alike;
- Mitigation of Social Impacts: We recognise the social implications of infrastructure projects on our communities. Overhead transmission lines could disrupt the tranquil way of life enjoyed by our residents and jeopardize residential expansion plans. Undergrounding offers a more sustainable solution that minimizes social disruption and supports the continued growth of our communities;
- Cultural Sensitivity: Our region has significant cultural heritage, which must be respected and protected. We have raised concerns about the impacts on cultural sites and Indigenous communities. Undergrounding the transmission lines demonstrates our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage and respecting the values of all residents.
Mayor, Frank Crawley said building energy connectors underground could avoid impacts on farming and the wider community.
"Council understands there is a desire for renewable energy initiatives, but the infrastructure to support this needs to offer the least amount of impact to the local area."
"The infrastructure is proposed to be constructed on high value irrigated cropping land, which is one of our region's largest economic drivers. We believe this will threaten the use of this high value land by restricting agricultural activities around the proposed transmission infrastructure, drastically impacting the livelihood of primary producers."
"We therefore urge the government to reconsider their stance on underground lines."
"The cost-benefit analysis in the short-term may be quite different to long-term, but the economic and social outcomes for the community would be far more positive," he said.
With the appetite for renewable energy continuing to grow, the Murray River Council area will inevitably be a focus for both renewable energy projects and the subsequent transmission infrastructure.
The Council is situated to the north of the REZ Zone in Victoria near Kerang, to the south of the REZ Zone near Hay, and southwest of Dinwan Substation connection point near Deniliquin with the main Wagga Wagga-to-South Australia transmission line running roughly parallel to Murray River Council in the north.
"Residents are surrounded by renewable energy projects on all fronts, which means we are in line for the inevitable disruption brought about by the delivery of transmission infrastructure," Cr Crawley said.
"With that in mind we will continue to throw our voice into the conversation, urging the State and Federal Governments to carefully consider the huge economic and personal impacts on affected landholders."
"Council is not in denial that the line will cross Murray River Council somewhere and therefore we don't have a great deal of choice but to look at the 'least worst' option. To us, that is strongly advocating for the lines to go underground," he said.
Council representatives will continue to participate in meetings, workshops and consultations to convey concerns to Transgrid and other stakeholders. It has also made an in-person submission to the 'Inquiry into Undergrounding Transmissions Lines', along with submissions during public consultation periods.
