AT the VNI West community meetings in Tragowel and St Arnaud last week, farmers and their families highlighted the heavy toll the project is taking on them.
They told of the emotional strain, due to the lack of transparency and the behaviour of Transmission Company Victoria workers.
I had organised these meetings so farmers and families could share their concerns with TCV and the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Andrew Dyer.
When I learned the day before that TCV had organised security, I contacted the Commissioner and told him that it was insulting to the community and I was very unhappy with their decision.
At the eleventh hour, TCV/AEMO pulled out and refused to attend the meetings.
I forged ahead to ensure community members were heard, recording videos of their testimonies to send to the Commissioner and highlight in national media so they cannot be ignored.
Renewable energy projects without social licence are a serious issue, particularly when they compromise Mallee’s prime agricultural land and pristine native bushland.
Minister Chris Bowen has reduced southern offshore wind projects for western Victoria by 80 per cent, resulting in more pressure in on-shore renewable projects feeding into the VNI West.
Victoria’s Offshore Wind Policy Directions Paper says without offshore wind, up to 70 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural land could be required to meet renewables targets.
While the Victorian Government quietly pulled this paper from its website, fortunately I had saved a copy.
Commissioner Dyer’s recent community engagement review highlighted the consultation failures of renewable projects and transmission lines.
More than 90 per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with engagement from developers and with the information they received, or were unconvinced their concerns would be resolved.
Now, Victorian Labor has attempted to reboot consultation on transmission lines, introducing a Bill to establish ‘VicGrid’, an admission their previous attempts at transparency with the community had failed.
If last week was anything to go by, there is a long way to go when it comes to transparency and respect being evidenced in communities.
