The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has announced a two-year delay to VNI West transmission project, pushing the expected completion date from 2028 to late 2030.
This delay is part of a broader trend of setbacks affecting key transmission projects across Australia, including Project EnergyConnect, Marinus Link, and Humelink. These delays have significant implications for landholders whose properties lie along proposed transmission routes.
Key Developments:
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Project Delay: The VNI West project, costed at an estimated $3.2 billion, is now expected to be completed in 2030, due to revised planning, design, and construction assumptions.
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Landholder Engagement: Transmission Company Victoria (TCV), which currently oversees the project, has stated that the delay also allows for more meaningful engagement with landholders and detailed environmental, geotechnical, and cultural assessments.
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New Easement and Compensation Offers: TCV is preparing to release updated offers to landholders regarding easements and payments.
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Project Management Transition: Responsibility for project delivery will soon shift from TCV to VicGrid, a newly created entity focused on transmission planning and community engagement.
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VicGrid have outlined a new proposal for consultation to allow “near neighbours” of the transmission projects to seek one-off payments of up to $40,000 if they can demonstrate significant loss of visual amenity.
How we can advise affected landowners:
Our experienced team has been at the forefront of advising landowners impacted by renewable energy projects and other major infrastructure developments.
We provide strategic, independent legal advice to help you:
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Understand your legal position and obligations
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Negotiate fair and adequate compensation
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Protect your land use and future development potential
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Navigate Option Deeds and statutory access rights
