Vol. No. Vol. 2518No. 3227
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Wednesday,February January 22, 13, 2023 2016 Wednesday,
TEAM SPIRIT: Keely Elliott and Jorja Clode enthusiastically support Clontarf, team blue, at St Brigid’s College swimming sports yesterday. Horsham War Memorial Swimming Pool was buzzing with activity during the past week as Horsham’s secondary schools hosted their annual swimming carnivals. More pictures, pages 28 and 29. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Energy engagement BY MICHAEL SCALZO
K
ey organisations across western Victoria will enter crucial consultations with key energy partners next week that could decide the future of the Wimmera’s energy certainty.
A State Government announcement this week approving early planning of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West project, VNI West, has triggered a looming consultation period with key community organisations on the future of the Western Renewables Link, WRL. The 220-kilovolt WRL transmission line, an AusNet project in partnership
with the Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO, was designed to beef up transmission of renewable energy from Bulgana to western Melbourne and link with VNI West. In a 2022 letter to the Victorian Premier, Wimmera Development Association chief executive Chris Sounness said the project could be ‘transformational’ for Wimmera industries, while Regional Development Australia, Grampians chair Stuart Benjamin had previously touted transmission upgrades as ‘key’ for the Wimmera’s potential capitalisation on renewable energy-generation projects. Several key organisations across the region will now gear up for a six-week
consultation period to help finalise WRL planning and consider a key report from AEMO Victoria Planning and Transgrid on the transmission project that will, among others, include alternative locations of the terminal station set to connect WRL and VNI West. Mr Sounness said impending discussions with the market regulator would play a key part in ensuring increased energy transmission and distribution invigorated economic growth across the region. “There is a real opportunity for the region when organisations such as AEMO come for consultation, and the Wimmera Development Association
is looking forward to the opportunity to engage with them,” he said. “Regional distribution of energy has always been key because a lot of regional Victoria struggles to have enough energy to grow without major infrastructure upgrades. “Whether it is increased transmission, bulk transport of high voltage electricity, or increased distribution, customer-end electricity delivery – people just want enough energy to live a great life. “Once the AEMO report comes out later this week, I am sure everyone will be keen to have their say. “Hopefully there will be some more energy certainty for people in the
coming months.” Tony Goodfellow, co-ordinator of the Victorian and Tasmanian arm of regional not-for-profit renewable-energy advocate organisation Re-Alliance, said he welcomed the State Government’s decision to move forward with planning of the VNI West. “Enabling the Australian Energy Market Operator to start early works on VNI West will ensure this key infrastructure is built right the first time – on the best possible route, with strong community engagement and with the least possible environmental footprint,” he said. Continued page 3
IN THIS ISSUE • Council depot on the move • Small club, big plans • Horsham Pacing Cup artisanHP942
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