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Timeline

  1. Exhibition opened

    Monday 30 June 2025

  2. Exhibition closed

    11.59pm Monday 25 August 2025

  3. Directions hearing

    15 September 2025

  4. Public hearing

    27 October 2025 to 3 March 2026

  5. Report submitted

    8 May 2026

    Timing and release of the report is at the discretion of the Minister for Planning.

Overview

The Minister for Planning will appoint a joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee (the Committee) to advise on the environmental effects of the proposed Western Renewables Link Project.

The Western Renewables Link Project (the Project) is a proposed high voltage double circuit overhead electricity transmission line from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. The Project will connect the renewable energy developments in western Victoria to the grid and provide a direct connection between the New South Wales and Victorian electricity grids. The proposed Project will be able to carry more than 3,000 MW.

The Project comprises the construction and operation of a new 190-kilometre overhead 500kV transmission line from a new 500kV terminal station near the existing Bulgana Terminal Station to the Sydenham Terminal Station. The Project also includes upgrades to other existing terminal stations.

AusNet Transmission Group Pty Ltd (AusNet Services) is the Proponent.

The Committee will:

  • review the Environment Effects Statement (EES), draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) GC209 to the Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool and Melton Planning Schemes, and public submissions
  • hold a public Hearing to hear from the Proponent and submitters who want to speak to their written submission
  • provide advice to the Minister about the environmental effects of the project.

Inquiry and advisory committee members

Documents

You may view and download the exhibited EES and draft PSA documents and any relevant documents at Proponent’s webpage.

Terms of reference

More information

To find out more about the Western Renewables Link Project, the EES and draft PSA contact:

Western Renewables Link
Phone: 1800 WRL WRL (975 975)
Email: info@westernrenewableslink.com.au
Website: https://www.westernrenewableslink.com.au/

For more information about the Minister's Assessment and EES process contact:

Impact Assessment Unit
Department of Transport and Planning

Email: environment.assessment@transport.vic.gov.au

Accessibility and assistance

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Page last updated: 13/05/26