The flow of electrical energy through the transmission lines does not affect GPS signals. GPS systems can generally operate within the easement. There can be a small effect on GPS signals if you are under or right alongside a tower, which is referred to as multipathing and associated with being too close to a steel structure such as a tower or shed. The effect is only noticeable within about 3m of the metal object. If remapping of GPS is required, TCV, or the delivery partner for VNI West, will cover this cost.

Drones may be permitted within overhead transmission easements, but only after a safety assessment and with permission from the Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP).

Further details on how this process will work will be provided once the development partner for VNI West is onboarded.

While many activities can take place without a permit, in some cases a safety assessment and permit would be required. Should the VNI West project proceed to construction, a Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) will own and maintain VNI West transmission assets. We anticipate that a TNSP would be likely to establish similar procedures to those currently in place, consistent with ESV requirements. At this early stage in the project, however, a TNSP has not been selected, so this level of detail is not yet known. In Victoria currently, AusNet is the Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) that owns and maintains transmission line infrastructure. It is the authority for work near existing transmission lines. The AusNet website (https://www.ausnetservices.com.au) provides practical information and resources. In addition, they have provided the following advice regarding their approach to permits: Safety assessments and Permits to Work are provided by AusNet free of charge. To arrange a safety assessment or permit, contact AusNet by email. Applications will be reviewed within 5 business days of receipt. We will undertake a desktop analysis and contact you if we require any further information. Typically, it will take 10 business days to complete a safety assessment or permit application.

There are many farming activities which can take place in a transmission line easement. Around 6,500 km of transmission lines currently operate in Victoria, successfully coexisting with farming and agriculture. TCV will work closely with farmers in the VNI West Project Easement to adjust the easement for the transmission line - with the least impact on the farm operations and productivity where possible. Machinery up to 5m high will be able to operate under the new VNI West transmission lines, and taller machinery up to 8.6m may also be used subject to a safety assessment. A safety assessment may determine whether a spotter will be required for vehicles and equipment; Energy Safe Victoria (https://www.energysafe.vic.gov.au) has more information on the use of spotters.

Earthing for property fencing near a transmission easement is used to protect you and your livestock from an electric shock. It does this by providing a path for a fault or induced current to flow directly to earth.

This depends on factors such as the materials your fences and gates are made from, the distance from the centre of a transmission tower or easement, the length of your fence, whether your fence is electrified, and soil resistivity. The Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) for VNI West will confirm the requirements for fencing in or near the transmission easement.

The TNSP for VNI West will ultimately confirm the requirements for fencing in or near the transmission easement. 

Landholders whose properties or infrastructure, such as fencing, are impacted by the construction or operation of the project may be entitled to compensation for relocating or modifying their infrastructure through Option for Easement (OFE) discussions.

Your dedicated Landholder Liaison is your best point of contact for VNI West project information. They can connect you with a project design specialist for advice on planned improvements such as fencing.

Landholders can work through the details of infrastructure placement, fencing and operating farm equipment with their Landholder Liaison when designing a Property Management Plan (PMP) and an Option for Easement (OFE) agreement tailored to each property.

The proximity of fencing to transmission infrastructure depends on fence materials, whether earthing, insulators or filters are required, and the TNSP’s setback distance requirements. As a guide, other TNSPs in Victoria typically use a fencing setback distance of 30 metres from the centre of the tower. Additional equipment or engineering assessments may be required for fencing at or closer than this distance.