The need for VNI West was first identified in AEMO’s 2018 Integrated System Plan (ISP), which called for stronger grid connections between Victoria and New South Wales. The ISP was developed through extensive consultation with:
- Energy experts from academia, market bodies and industry
- The ISP Consumer Panel, comprising energy experts with industry knowledge
- Governments, market bodies, consumer advocates and technical experts
- Independent expert advice on inputs, assumptions and modelling
The project was then assessed through a Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T) — a formal cost-benefit analysis that included wide consultation with stakeholders. This involved:
- Public submissions and feedback (over 500 received)
- Roundtable workshops, webinars and information sessions
- Publication of the final RIT-T report (PACR) in May 2023
Since the RIT-T concluded, consultation has continued and expanded. Recent examples include:
- Weekly pop-up sessions in towns like Kerang, Charlton, Donald, Boort and Stawell, introduced in response to community requests for more accessible engagement
- Community sessions in August 2025 to support the Environment Effects Statement (EES), where locals shared insights on land use, ecology, heritage and social values
- Interactive map contributions, with over 2,300 comments helping refine the route and tower placements
- Landholder feedback on the Preferred Easement, resulting in over 250 tower locations being revised
- Ongoing engagement with Traditional Owner groups, local councils, and the Social Value Reference Group to ensure the project reflects community needs and values
Consultation remains a core part of project development. For current and upcoming engagement activities, visit the https://www.transmissionvictoria.com.au/community.
Independent input is considered at every stage of project development. AEMO’s Integrated System Plan is developed through a rigorous process reflecting expert advice on inputs, assumptions and scenarios from energy experts from academia, market bodies, industry and government, and from feedback on the draft plan.
The Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (the business case for the project) was also extensively consulted on. Industry experts and interested parties provided feedback on the suite of credible options to be assessed, the assumptions and approach adopted for the assessment, and the proposed preferred solution. The Australian Energy Regulator also plays a role in ensuring compliance with the regulatory process.
Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is the company created by AEMO to progress the VNI West transmission project. TCV is responsible for the early works and planning phase of the project’s development, which includes environmental and planning approvals including a comprehensive EES.
Through a tender and development process run by AEMO from 2024, it is the intention that a new owner will be selected to continue to develop the VNI West project alongside TCV, and ultimately acquire TCV and build, own and operate the transmission line.
The build, own and operate phases of the project will be governed via appropriate agreements between the new owner/operator and AEMO.
The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is accountable for the development and delivery of the VNI West project.
The Victorian Government is progressing reforms to change the way transmission is planned and developed in Victoria, through the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework (VTIF).
Under the changes proposed, responsibility for planning transmission infrastructure in Victoria, would be transferred to VicGrid from AEMO.
This transfer is subject to legislation passing Parliament next year. Any transfer would be enacted in a staged and carefully considered approach in close consultation with AEMO to enable an orderly transfer of responsibilities.
In the meantime, there is no change in AEMO’s role and responsibilities with respect to the VNI West and other projects such as WRL.
AEMO is currently accountable for the outcomes of VNIW: ensuring that network services are delivered at best value on behalf of Victorian Energy Consumers. The transition of accountabilities to VicGrid means that VicGrid will take over this accountability, including for the VNI West project.
This will not change the role of TCV or its responsibilities in relation to the community and delivering the next phase of the project.
You can learn more via TCV’s Roles and Responsibilities Fact Sheet.
The Development Facilitation Program (DFP) relates to speeding up planning decisions for certain projects. However, the Minister for Planning determined that VNI West is required to undertake an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process. VNI West is seeking the Minister’s support for a planning scheme amendment as part of the EES, whereby the Minister for Planning will become the decision-making authority, and therefore the DFP is not applicable.
The draft planning scheme amendment will be exhibited for public comment in parallel with the EES and would allow the use and development of the land for the project to be undertaken in accordance with specific conditions.
In addition, the Department of Transport and Planning is implementing initiatives from the Victorian Government's Economic Growth Statement (EGS) to streamline the remaining stages of the VNI West EES process. These include improving engagement with Technical Reference Group agencies and focusing on key environmental and planning issues at the public inquiry stage, with the aim of improving the overall timeframe of the EES process.
TCV does not decide whether the VNI West project goes ahead. The project is being progressed under formal direction from the Victorian Government, following two Ministerial Orders under the National Electricity (Victoria) Act (NEVA):
- In February 2023, the Minister for Energy and Resources issued a NEVA Order to allow cultural, social and environmental factors to be considered in identifying alternate pathways for VNI West.
- In May 2023, a second NEVA Order identified Option 5A as the preferred route for the Victorian section of the project, along with changes to the Western Renewables Link.
These orders require TCV to progress planning and early works for VNI West. Whether the project proceeds to construction depends on formal planning and environmental approvals informed by:
- A comprehensive Environment Effects Statement (EES), which assesses potential impacts and determines whether they are acceptable
- A Commonwealth EPBC Act assessment, which evaluates national environmental significance
If these assessments find that the project’s impacts are too great — or cannot be adequately avoided, reduced or managed — the project may be modified or may not proceed.
TCV’s role is to deliver the early development phase, including technical studies, community engagement, and preparation of the EES. The final decision on whether the project is approved lies with the Minister for Planning and other relevant authorities.
