A RECENT submission by Professors Bruce Mountain and Simon Bartlett AM on the VNI West and Western Renewables Link stated that the development will be a monumental mistake, stating it ‘will be the biggest single expense in the Victorian transmission system in more than 50 years and the biggest mistake in transmission planning in living memory.’
The pair have submitted a detailed critique of AEMO’s Consultation Report.
In response to Mountain and Bartlett’s submission that highlights, ‘a prolonged failure of any of the 1,500 transmission towers at the loading AEMO predicts, would likely cause an immediate state-wide blackout and then, after restart, extensive electricity rationing until the damage is rectified’, VFF President, Emma Germano has released a statement in support of further answers, and is urging farmers to also have their say.
“The Victorian Government must answer questions why it is fast-tracking a project experts say could triple electricity transmission costs, whilst steam rolling our state’s farmers in the process,” Ms Germano stated.
“The submission put forward by Professors Bruce Mountain and Simon Bartlett AM on the VNI-West and Western Renewables Link suggest it would be a monumental mistake to go ahead with these projects.
“The Victorian Government must explain to farmers why they are being forced to endure needless anxiety and fear over having their land carved up by power lines that may provide no benefit to the state.
“Farmers are white hot with anger over how they are being treated with utter disrespect in this process. They have every right to be.
“The Victorian Government has failed to properly plan for the transition to renewable energy whilst imposing its targets on the people and economy of Victoria and farmers are being forced to wear the cost.
“We must get this transition to renewables right. The consequences of trampling over farmers rights will be a double whammy of skyrocketing food and electricity prices for all Victorians.”
Farmers are encouraged to have their say by providing their own submissions before close tomorrow (Wednesday, April 19).
Further information, including template submissions can be viewed on the VFF website.