We are seeking input into the development of workforce accommodation for VNI West.

The project is undertaking a public Expression of Interest process to identify land available for lease, and want to understand the interests, concerns and questions that communities have in relation to our workforce accommodation approach.

We want to hear from you!

The new workforce accommodation portal on the TCV website shares information on our approach to developing workforce accommodation, and how to reach our team to share feedback or request more information.

We understand that many areas in the VNI West project corridor face housing availability and affordability challenges. TCV is committed to delivering long term housing benefits for local communities impacted by VNI West.

The input we receive via the online portal will inform work underway with the VNI West Social Value Reference Group to understand how we can develop the project in a way that meets local needs and creates long term, permanent housing solutions.

Visit the workforce accommodation portal on our website:

Expression of Interest

In parallel with determining permanent housing solutions, TCV is seeking sites suitable for:

• Temporary workforce accommodation – up to three sites of about 12 hectares each to accommodate between 200 and 300 people each at peak construction; or
• Construction laydown areas – up to eight sites of about 5 hectares each; or
• Combined accommodation and laydown area sites.

We are committed to providing landholders with a fair and transparent leasing arrangement that reflects true value and opportunities for use.

Properties that express interest will be assessed as part of the VNI West EES and appropriate options for accommodation and laydowns identified by April 2025. This is an opportunity for landholders with properties they believe may be suitable to express their interest in their site being assessed, with a view to entering into a lease agreement for the site’s use.

Expression of Interest responses close 28 February.

Field surveys continue throughout the project area

TCV has recommenced survey work on public and private land to undertake ecology and traffic surveys, further building our understanding of environmental considerations across the project area. Surveys initially commenced in October 2023, with over 90 surveys taking place on private land in 2024.

This work is essential to progress the EES required for the project. Field work taking place on public land has been planned in consultation with relevant local authorities where required. Field surveys on private property are undertaken with the consent of landholders through their Land Access Agreement.

We’re following strict biosecurity protocols and landholder access conditions when undertaking these investigations. This means thorough boot, equipment and vehicle washdowns using PhytoClean on entry to and exit from properties.

We do not anticipate any disruptions to local traffic while these field investigations are underway, however traffic management and safety resources are available for survey types where changes in local traffic are expected.

You can keep up to date on field survey activities and find out more about what we are investigating on TCV’s dedicated webpage:

Since November of 2024, landholder liaisons have been reaching out to landholders in the preferred easement to discuss the location of transmission towers proposed for their property. Our team is currently reviewing the feedback received from over 50 landholders as a collective, aiming to incorporate suggestions wherever possible.

We greatly appreciate the time taken by people to consider where towers could be located to minimise the impact to day-to-day operations and property amenity. We are aiming to get back to landholders in March to advise how their feedback was considered and where suggestions can be incorporated into design.

The formal review process takes time, it must consider how any tower position changes from a landholder’s feedback may impact on the broader continuous easement, located on other properties. Feedback from all landholders is being considered collectively.

We want to 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.

As part of the EES, independent experts are working to assess the potential impacts of VNI West on agriculture and the community, and they want to hear from you. Your feedback is critical because these assessments will inform project approvals and required mitigation measures.

The social impact assessment seeks to identify potential impacts on people, for example, on their way of life, community, ability to access services, culture, decision-making systems, health and well-being, surroundings or livelihoods.

The agriculture impact assessment seeks to identify potential impacts on agricultural production, farming practices, existing infrastructure and surrounding land uses during both construction and operational phases.

All landholders are encouraged to participate in this process. You can find out more about how to get involved and access online surveys on the Environment Effects Statement Scope page.

We also invite landholders to get in touch with the agricultural specialists at farmerinterviews@rmcg.com.au if you would be open to being interviewed as part of this study.

We will continue to be available in a town near you

TCV will recommence a regular program of pop-up events 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.

Details for the 90-minute pop-ups will be shared on the TCV website and through our social media platforms. If the pop-up events don’t suit your schedule, we are always available 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, via phone, email or by appointment at our Kerang office.

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.