As part of the Environment Effects Statement (EES), we are undertaking a wide range of technical and environmental studies on topics that matter to communities — from biodiversity and farming impacts to visual amenity, noise, traffic and more. You can now explore these studies, learn more about our investigation approach and share your localised knowledge on existing conditions in your area - via a dedicated EES Portal on our website.

The portal includes:

• Explainer videos and graphics.
• Factsheets and study summaries.
• A step-by-step guide on EES studies and investigations.
• Opportunities to provide insights via an interactive map.

You can use the portal or contact our project team:

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Free call: 1800 824 221

Following the release of the Preferred Easement in October last year, TCV asked landholders for feedback on proposed tower locations detailed on their individual property maps, as part of the project’s route refinement process. From October 2024 to January 2025, 59 landholder feedback submissions were received regarding proposed tower locations; sharing their thoughts on how the project can adapt to their operations or property-specific needs. Each submission has gone through a robust environmental and technical assessment, taking into account the impacts to landholders, the environment and the project alignment more broadly. Shortly, the outcomes or next steps for each feedback submission will be communicated to landholders. As a project, we greatly appreciate the community’s understanding and each landholder’s contribution in finding a route for VNI West that minimises impacts to people, their day-to-day activities and properties as much as possible. We value your ongoing support and involvement.

The VNI West Community Reference Group (CRG) held its ninth session in Charlton on 1 April 2025. At the meeting, CRG members and TCV were joined by members of the AEMO executive team, the CEO of VicGrid, and the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, who met with the group to discuss workforce accommodation plans, upcoming opportunities for local communities and more. After the formal part of the meeting, the group gathered for a BBQ and had the opportunity for one-on-one discussions.

The detailed summary for this meeting is now available on here. The minutes for the February CRG meeting are also now available on the TCV website.

We really appreciate the time and effort of CRG members in sharing insights and asking important questions. If you would like to learn more about the CRG or express your interest in joining, please visit our website.

TCV is continuing field survey activities across the VNI West project area, informing the existing conditions for each region, to be assessed through the Environment Effects Statement process. Ecology and Cultural Heritage surveys will take place through April and May.

Cultural Heritage surveys involve a standard assessment that includes a daytime walkover of the preferred easement, survey area and surrounding land, with Traditional Owners, Heritage Advisors or archaeologists, and the landholder’s dedicated Landholder Liaison. These surveys are ongoing in the VNI West project area.

Similarly, ecology surveys, which commenced in January, are being carried out in Buloke, Loddon and Gannawarra Shire areas through May. These non-invasive surveys include fauna spotting and monitoring, walkovers and photography – particularly checking monitoring equipment placed in the survey area.

Field work taking place on public land has been planned in consultation with relevant local authorities, and there are no anticipated disruptions to local traffic while work is ongoing.

If you are on the road, please be aware that survey crews may be operating in roadside reserves, for their safety please slow down to 40km/h when passing in a vehicle, and if you see the flashing light on, please pass with caution.

The locations and periods for planned survey activities are updated regularly on our website, through an interactive map where you can learn more about surveys taking place in each region.

Access the Planned Field Surveys page here.