VicGrid is asking communities, landholders, Traditional Owners, and the energy industry to get involved and have their say in developing the long-term strategic plan for Victoria’s renewable energy zones and major transmission infrastructure.
The Victorian Transmission Plan will change the way energy infrastructure is planned and consult with communities from the beginning of the process to realise local benefits, minimise impacts and deliver affordable and reliable power to Victorian homes and businesses.
VicGrid, the government agency responsible for planning and developing the state’s renewable energy zones, released a draft of the Victorian Transmission Plan Guidelines.
The guidelines set out how VicGrid will prepare the plan over the next twelve months.
It also explains how VicGrid will determine the necessary amount of renewable energy generation, the locations and timelines for this generation, the required transmission projects, and how they will collaborate with communities and industry to make these decisions.
It includes an initial study area, showing which parts of Victoria VicGrid will investigate further as it works with communities to find the best places to host future wind and solar generation.
This is an early step informed by a bespoke statewide strategic land use assessment that considers community feedback, land use, environment and cultural heritage.
Through further engagement and analysis, the study area will be narrowed down to smaller areas for investigation and eventually proposed renewable energy zones.
While VicGrid is starting our investigations broad, ultimately, it will only need a portion of the study area to host new energy infrastructure.
VicGrid is now seeking feedback from the community and industry on the guidelines and the study area.
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said community input would be crucial at this stage and throughout the process of developing the Victorian Transmission Plan.
“We are changing the way energy infrastructure is delivered in Victoria and early and meaningful engagement is at the heart of our approach,” Mr Parker said.
“We need the input of regional communities, farmers, landholders and First Peoples so we can get this right for all Victorians, reduce impacts and deliver real benefits.”
Mr Parker said the energy industry also had a role in informing the Victorian Transmission Plan and encouraged businesses to engage with VicGrid to share their knowledge and expertise.
The Victorian Transmission Plan guidelines are available to view on Engage Victoria.
Community members can provide feedback on the approach, the study area, and details of the community information sessions VicGrid is running across the state.
Consultation on the guidelines is open until August 25 and on the study area until September 30.
A draft Victorian Transmission Plan will be published early in 2025, followed by a further round of consultation before the final plan is published by July 2025.
Details at: engage.vic.gov.au/vicgrid.
