VNI West Transmission Towers Project

planned

The VNI West project involves building new transmission towers and power lines across approximately 250 private properties in the Wimmera and Mallee regions of north-west Victoria, Australia. The project is part of Australia's renewable energy transition to transport electricity from where it is generated to where it is used, supporting targets of 65% renewable energy by 2030 and 95% by 2035. The project includes ecological surveys to identify wildlife habitats and vegetation that could be affected. There is significant opposition from farmers who are concerned about the impact on their land and livelihoods, leading to protests and refusal of access for surveys. The Victorian government has passed legislation granting VicGrid powers to access land without owner permission, with fines for non-compliance.