AusNet has committed $55 million to support regional communities located along the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project in Victoria.
This pledge was shared with landowners along the proposed 190km route as the panel hearing process for the Environment Effects Statement (EES) begins. This comes after community submissions for the EES and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) closed in late August.
Of the $55 million, $15 million is being made available to community during the development phase after feedback called for earlier benefits. The remaining $40 million be provided if the WRL project is approved and reaches the construction phase.
More specifically, $30 million will fund community partnerships and projects such as renewable energy upgrades, improved mobile phone connectivity and new community infrastructure.
Community-led projects involve the construction of a new playground in Waubra, located 33km north-west of Ballarat, and funding for new solar panels and batteries at community sites in western Victoria.
If the WRL project is approved, $25 million will go towards a new co-designed Community Benefit Fund.
This commitment forms part of the project’s Benefit Sharing Program, which is one of the largest established by an Australian transmission infrastructure project. The WRL project would see a 500kV transmission line built from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydnenham in Melbourne’s north-west.
AusNet general manager – major projects Gerard Carew said the funding follows strong community feedback about the importance of delivering early benefits.
“A reliable energy system is essential for all Victorians and the Western Renewables Link will play a critical role in securing our energy future,” he said.
“The communities that host this vital infrastructure are at the heart of making it possible and will see new investment, funding and job opportunities as part of this once-in-a-generation change.”
When benefits will be delivered throughout the life of the project
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