Regulator takes extra time to weigh VNI West dispute as tractor protest heads to town

The complexity and controversy dogging the VNI West transmission project is back on display this week, with the Australian Energy Regulator revealing it will need more time to decide on a dispute to the proposed design of the huge grid upgrade.

The $3.3 billion project is one of the more controversial parts of the Australian Energy Market Operator’s 30-year planning blueprint, attracting criticism from affected communities over visual and environmental impacts and economists and analysts over whether it offers best value for money and integration of renewables.

AEMO and Transgrid in May set out their latest plan for the new 500kV double circuit transmission line that will start on the north west outskirts of Melbourne and stretch over 800km to Wagga Wagga in the south west of NSW, via Bulgana, Kerang and Dinawan in Victoria.

The new route, which the proponents say will support upwards of 3.4GW of renewables capacity across Murray River REZ and Western Victoria REZ, did not appease critics.

And in June, a notice of dispute challenging the methods used by AEMO Victoria Planning and Transgrid was submitted to the AER by one of VNI West’s most vocal opponents, the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance.

The AER said on Wednesday that it will extend the timeframe for a decision on the matter from the usual 40 calendar days to 100, adding up-to 60 days extra time “due to the complexity of the issues” raised in the eight-page notice of dispute from MCHPA.

“Among other grounds … MCHPA considers AVP and Transgrid did not comply with NER provisions concerning the identification of credible options and selection of preferred option in the VNI-West PACR,” AER says in the notice on Wednesday.

“The AER is now due to make a determination no later than 4 October 2023. However, the AER is endeavouring to determine the dispute as soon as possible,” it adds.

In the meantime, the MCHPA will take its protest against VNI West to the streets of Melbourne next week, in the form of the Stop The Towers Tractor Rally to Spring Street.

The groups is organising the rally for Tuesday August 15, when it plans to convey the message to the Andrews Labor government “that we will not stand by and allow the destruction of our homes, farms, communities and environment.”

“We need as many people and tractors as possible to really make a statement!,” the group’s Facebook page said on Tuesday.

“We have organised buses to help take the stress out of getting you to the steps of parliament.”