Hepburn Council wants the developers of a 190km overhead transmission line across Western Victoria to “give better consideration” to putting the line underground.

The area of interest for the Ausnet Services/Mondo project covers the entire Creswick State Forest and much of the South Western part of the shire.

The project will connect windfarm electricity to the grid in Melbourne using pylons up to 80m high (the total height of a MCG light tower or a 24-storey building).

The Western Victoria Transmission Network project area of interest – WestVictnp.com.au

Chief Executive Evan King said that while Hepburn was supportive of renewables, it was concerned about the potential damage to significant landscapes, heritage sites and farm productivity.

“We are concerned, as are many members of our community that if constructed as planned, there is potential for environmental, social and economic impacts on the Hepburn Shire community,” he said.

“Hepburn is working closely with other affected Councils such as Moorabool, Ballarat and Melton to advocate for the community’s concerns to be acknowledged an d changes to be made.

“We will continue the work we have already been doing to get the best outcome for our Shire as we can.”

At their September meeting, councillors voted to “demand” the project go underground.

Hepburn Shire Council

AusNets proposed 85 meter tall overhead Transmission line from Ballarat to Melbourne will traverse through some of…

Posted by Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance on Sunday, 20 September 2020

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