Western Renewables Link (WRL)
The Western Renewables Link (WRL), (previously the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project), is a planned new major electricity transmission line between Bulgana (north of Ararat), and Sydenham through the City of Melton via Plumpton and Toolern Vale.
The project will connect with the potential future VNI-West transmission line to NSW and renewable power increasingly being generated in western Victoria to Melbourne.
Please note Council does not have a decision-making role in the project.
Project Background
This is a privately led project in which the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has appointed AusNet and Mondo to seek planning approval, construct, and operate the transmission line. Council officers has a role providing input into the technical studies prepared for the project and providing feedback to AusNet as part of the Technical Reference Group.
The project is currently undergoing an Environment Effects Statement (EES) planning process that is the responsibility of the Minister for Planning and is being overseen by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
Western Renewables Link Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) Public Exhibition was conducted from 30 June to 22 August 2025.The hearing consists of five independent panel members and is expected to commence in late October 2025 and run until January 2026.
To get updates on the WRL IAC inquiry, visit the Engage Victoria's Western Renewables Link Inquiry and Advisory Committee.
More Information
To view project documentation or ask general questions about the project contact AusNet.
Council acknowledges transmission lines are critical infrastructure for the future expansion of Victoria’s renewable energy transition and have potential benefits for our community and the state. However, the process and information to support a decision needs to be well considered, including a genuine level of engagement with impacted landowners.
FAQs
Where will the Transmission Line be located?
On 26 November 2021, AusNet Services announced a preferred overhead transmission route through the north of City of Melton. You can view the corridor option here.
Council has expressed its disappointment that AusNet Services has proposed an overhead transmission line despite calls from the community to explore an underground line and alternate routes.
This announcement comes despite the Minister for Planning requiring AusNet to undertake an Environmental Effects Statement that should consider alternate corridors, alignments and site locations.
Council believes the current package of reports and investigations being undertaken by AusNet does not comply with the Minister’s scoping requirements for the EES by failing to consider other viable transmission options.
Melton City Council impression of how the proposed overhead transmission towers could look:
What is Council doing?
At an Ordinary meeting on Council on 25 August 2025, Council endorsed a detailed submission to the WRL Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC). This submission advocated for a range of ways to lower the impact of the WRL on the community and environment, principally by undergrounding.
Council has engaged legal representation and a range of experts for the IAC. For more information about the WRL IAC visit: Western Renewables Link Inquiry and Advisory Committee | Engage Victoria
Melton City Council is working closely with other affected councils, including Moorabool Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council and the City of Ballarat
We have advocated for improvements to the consultation program to better engage with residents/landowners so their concerns are heard. We have also asked for clear, open and genuine engagement with affected landowners on the information that has informed the decision on the transmission line corridor through the City of Melton.
We have also advocated for Ausnet to undertake a full assessment to determine the route of least impact including consideration of undergrounding of the powerlines, particularly in sensitive areas. We received assurances from AusNet that underground options were being investigated for sections of the proposed corridor, so are disappointed that AusNet has proposed an overhead route despite this call.
Council will continue to advocate for the best information to be made available to ensure our community are placed in an informed position to assess how they may be impacted by this project.
Whilst Council does not have any role in the approval project, our role is to advocate on behalf of residents to achieve the best outcome for our community. Council will be making a formal submission to the Department of Transport and Planning during the exhibition period.
We continue to urge the Australian Energy Market Operator and the state government to require AusNet to properly investigate all viable transmission options and will continue to advocate to the State and Federal Energy Ministers to require a full assessment of other viable alternatives.
What can you do?
For more information or to raise any concerns, we encourage you to contact AusNet directly via westernrenewableslink.com.au or by calling 03 9021 0674 and providing them with your thoughts and feedback on the project.