VNI West Community Reference Group meets to discuss compensation and insurance

The VNI West CRG recently welcomed four new members and met for the seventh time last week, on the 10th of December 2024. This meeting focussed on two topics we understand are top of mind for landholders and the community – compensation and insurance.

TCV sought feedback from members on how we should approach landholder compensation, with a view to understanding what a “fair and reasonable” payment could look like. The group provided a number of valuable suggestions for TCV to consider, such as:

We really appreciate the suggestions provided by the CRG at this session and their willingness to participate in a productive dialogue with us. We will consider this feedback closely as we seek to develop our compensation approach for VNI West. A follow-up session may be set up for early next year if that is desired by CRG members.

We also provided responses to common questions we have heard on the potential insurance implications of transmission projects like VNI West. This included discussions on risk, liability and insurance, including landholder and asset owner/operator liability. We are working closely with the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) and asset owners/operators to answer more specific questions relating to landholder needs on risk mitigation (insurance). In the meantime, we encourage you to access the ICA’s factsheet on farm insurance and energy infrastructure.

Since mid-November, we have been out and about in the community week-on-week, rotating between Kerang, Charlton, Donald, Boort and Stawell. We understand that many people have questions, concerns or feedback they would like to share with us – and we want to make sure we can be available to you locally on a regular basis. We understand these informal sessions won’t appeal to everyone, but we have met with individuals who appreciate the opportunity to chat to the project team. These sessions will continue early next year in communities across the project region. If you can't make it into town, our team is only ever a call or an email away and our website has all the latest information.

Landholders and neighbours continue to be a priority

Thank you to all landholders and neighbours for the time you have taken to talk with us this year. These insights have helped us better understand the local area and potential impacts of VNI West. We will continue to work together to make sure this project has the least possible impact on your property, and we will continue to be available to talk whenever you’re ready.

Every landholder and neighbour has a dedicated liaison officer - a key contact within the team to be that first point of call to help answer questions on important issues and communicate landholder views and preferences back to the project team.

We would like to hear from every individual landholder, to work through proposed transmission tower location feedback. Talking to TCV does not indicate your support for the project or allow us to access your land. It does allow you to make sure you are up to date with all the latest information and provide feedback to shape the project for your property.

Your submissions will inform the Environment Effects Statement draft scoping requirements

Your important feedback will be key to ensuring the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for VNI West considers what matters most to you and your community. You can provide feedback until 11:59pm Wednesday the 18th of December 2024 through the Engage Vic website.

Request for Extension

If you are unable to make a submission prior to the closing date, DTP Impact Assessment is available via Environment.Assessment@transport.vic.gov.au and will consider any requests for an extension on a case-by-case basis.

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) will review all submissions received and update the EES scoping requirements in response, where appropriate. Comments received will be provided to the Minister for Planning to consider as part of her review and approval of the final scoping requirements.

How will VNI West impact your farm and your community?

Independent experts are currently working on the agricultural and social impact assessment studies as part of the EES and are keen to hear your voice

Get in touch

If you have a question you would like to ask, please get in contact through the details below.

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Free call: 1800 824 221

Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Kerang Office: Shop 15, 47 Victoria Street, Patchell Plaza, Kerang.
Open 12pm to 4:30pm on Tuesdays and 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays.