Victoria greenlights Western Renewables Link but orders cost review
Victoria approved a major transmission line but ordered an independent cost review the same day.
Victoria's Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny approved the Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement (EES). The EES approval is a planning requirement.
On the same day, Premier Ben Carroll ordered an independent cost check of the $1.5 billion project. Carroll said the review aims to cut building costs.
No property will be forcibly taken while it is happening. The transmission line would run 190 kilometres from Bulgana near Ararat to Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west.
It would connect renewable energy in western Victoria to the grid. The EES found the project would likely affect how the landscape looks.
But the review found the possible community benefit meant it could go ahead. The project still needs state and Commonwealth approvals and parliamentary sign-off.
- $1.5 billion
- Project cost
- 190 kilometres
- Transmission line length
- Bulgana to Sydenham
- Route endpoints
Why it mattersThe approval unblocks a key infrastructure project for renewable energy. The cost review shows concern about price increases, which matters for household electricity bills and whether the project remains viable.
AustraliaVictorian consumers could face higher power costs depending on final construction expenses, while renewable energy capacity in the west gains a pathway to the grid sooner.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
