The WRL forms part of a national plan for new infrastructure required to enable Victoria and Australia’s transition to renewable energy. It will allow renewable energy being generated in western Victoria to be transported to the rest of the state and into the National Electricity Market.
The new infrastructure, while still in the referral phase is likely to include 500 kV overhead double circuit transmission lines between the existing Bulgana Terminal Station and the terminal station in Sydenham.
The transmission lines will sit within easements that are designed to protect the electricity assets and public safety. Easement widths for the larger 500 kV towers and transmission lines are expected to range between 70 to 100 meters.
The transmission lines and easements will cause various disruptions to activity on the land by farmers and other users.
AusNet Services is delivering the project and planning steps have not yet been complete and involve consideration of alternative routes. Regardless of this, AusNet have commenced writing to affected landholders to attempt to negotiate access and compensation.
Project Impacts and your rights
Affected landowners may receive a request for land access or an offer to negotiate compensation.
Legal rights come from any access to your land or taking of an interest in land. The assessment of compensation must properly consider the individual circumstances of your use of the land and the disruption caused by the project. It is essential that you receive independent, expert legal advice before entering any discussions with AusNet.
Offers from AusNet
Offers made by AusNet will likely not reflect your true legal entitlements which can only be understood by a detailed assessment of your individual circumstances. Your circumstances will depend on particular land use and may include impacts on farming practices, access, fencing, interference with natural resources, and construction impacts on land among others. The impact on you regarding stress and inconvenience will also be relevant if a compulsory acquisition (or negotiation on that basis) proceeds.
Whether you wish to enter negotiations or want to hold AusNet at bay while you attempt to resist the project affecting your land, your position will be strengthened by obtaining independent legal advice.
If you do not wish to engage in negotiations, now is the time to ensure that you are best protected in the event that a compulsory process follows in future. Decisions you make now may have significant impacts for your entitlements later. Your ability to plan, with the benefit of the right advice, can make a significant difference to the outcome of a compulsory acquisition.
Our expert team are here to help.
We understand that this can be a time of enormous distress and uncertainty. Our clients regularly tell us that our guidance reduces the stress and difficulty of the process for them as well as significantly improving their outcomes.