proudly serving Melton and Moorabool
22 JULY, 2025
12779303-AA26-25
Established in 1981 as the
Consultation concerns By Oscar Parry Community stakeholders of the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) say they are “disappointed“ with the project’s consultation and feel overwhelmed with reviewing its recently publicised environmental effects statement (EES). As reported by Star Weekly, AusNet is proposing to build a 190-kilometre electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. The EES for the proposed project was made public and was opened to submissions for a period of 40 business days from Monday, June 30. Plumpton landholder and Western Victorian Community Alliance Melton representative Barbara Ford said the EES is almost 10,000 pages long and is “a dense collection of technical, regulatory, and environmental material”. “And yet, the public has been given just 40 days to read, understand, and respond to it. AusNet has taken five years to collate all the information employing people full-time,” Ms Ford said. Melton Football Netball Club president Matt Kerr said he has struggled to find time to sit down and read the document while trying to run a business and fulfil his role with the club. “As a club, we’re very disappointed with the consultation process. It feels like AusNet are just ticking boxes just to get their end of the deal signed up … I think it was 18 months ago we had a user group meeting at the footy club rooms and as a big group. We had a lot of questions I feel were unanswered,” Mr Kerr said.
A group of those affected by the proposed towers of the Western Renewables Link project. (Damjan Janevski) 490036_01
“They brought an expert in radio magnetic fields to answer questions on how it would affect kids and people long-term seeing as those lines are going to be so close to our playing fields … and they had no answers, they never came back to us.” Melton Airfield head of operations Evan Reeve said the airfield is at risk of closing down its services as the towers would be within 500 metres of the airfield. “It can’t operate given the fact that we operate to a safety management system. It doesn’t fit … the risks can’t be mitigated,” Mr Reeve said.
Melton horse trainer Clinton Welsh said he feels there is a lack of information in relation to electromagnetic and noise effects of the project on horses and feels this information has not been made available. Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said the amount of information in the EES “will leave many people feeling overwhelmed”. “Council has developed guides on upcoming community sessions in [Moorabool], and an example EES submission structure to help get our community members started,” Cr Tatchell said. “It is vital that impacted community
members consider providing submissions to share how this project will continue to affect them if it goes ahead.” Moorabool has provided an EES information guide and EES submission structure guide are its website and at its centres in Ballan, Darley and the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh. The council is also supporting the Western Victoria Community Alliance with its EES community drop-in sessions in the coming weeks. Continued: Page 9.
15 - Day Christmas Markets of Europe From $8545 per person twin share excludes airfare price
Conditions apply. For full conditions, refer to brochure or website. Prices based on per person twin share on selected cruises/cabins including Super Earlybird and bonus $250pp Helloworld offers in an E Category Stateroom unless stated otherwise. Wine and beer including with lunch and dinner on board. Offers on new bookings only. Not available on Future Travel Credit vouchers. Non-refundable deposit of $1,000pp due within 48 hours of bookings. EWCR based on 18/02/26 departure. EFRP based on 22/08/26 departure. EDLM based on 05/08/26 departure in a F Category Stateroom. Valid on new bookings until 30/06/25 & subject to availability or until sold out. Surcharges may apply on credit card transactions. Prices, dates, availability correct at 05/05/25 & subject to change. Emerald Cruises (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd) & Helloworld Travel booking terms and conditions apply. See in store for more details. ABN 85 002 715 602.
Helloworld Travel Bacchus Marsh
BOOK NOW for best early access offers
12771848-KF26-25
Departing 2nd December 2026 15 Days - Budapest - Amsterdam