Farming with transmission FAQs

The flow of electrical energy through the transmission lines does not affect GPS signals. GPS systems can generally operate within the easement. There can be a small effect on GPS signals if you are under or right alongside a tower, which is referred to as multipathing and associated with being too close to a steel structure such as a tower or shed. The effect is only noticeable within about 3m of the metal object. If remapping of GPS is required, TCV will cover this cost.

Drones may be allowed within overhead transmission easements, but only with a safety assessment and permission from the TNSP.

While many activities can take place without a permit, in some cases a safety assessment and permit would be required. Should the VNI West project proceed to construction, a Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) will own and maintain VNI West transmission assets. We anticipate a TNSP would be likely to establish similar procedures to those currently in place, consistent with ESV requirements.  At this early stage in the project, however, a TNSP has not been selected, so this level of detail is not yet known.

In Victoria currently, Ausnet is the Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) that owns and maintains transmission line infrastructure. It is the authority for work near existing transmission lines. The Ausnet website provides practical information and resources. In addition, they have provided the following advice regarding their approach to permits:

Safety assessments and Permits to Work are provided by AusNet free of charge.

1. To arrange a safety assessment or permit, contact AusNet by email at ptw@ausnetservices.com.au. 
2. Complete and return the simple PTW form.
3. Applications will be reviewed within 5 business days of receipt.
4. We will undertake a desktop analysis and contact you if we require any further information. Typically, it will take 10 business days to complete a safety assessment or permit application.

Note: a piece of equipment is assessed once. 

There are many farming activities which can take place in a transmission line easement.

Around 6,500 km of transmission lines currently operate in Victoria, successfully coexisting with farming and agriculture.

TCV will work closely with farmers in the VNI West draft corridor to find the best location for the transmission line - with the least impact on the farm operations and productivity.

Machinery up to 5m high will be able to operate under the new VNI West transmission lines, and taller machinery up to 8.6m may also be used subject to a safety assessment. A safety assessment may determine whether a spotter will be required for vehicles and equipment, Energy Safe Victoria has more information on the use of spotters. Some activities are subject to height restrictions or prohibited for safety reasons (such as gun irrigation and aerial spraying).

TCV is currently working in the corridor to understand farming activities to ensure ongoing impacts on operations are minimised. We’re encouraging landowners to speak to a landholder liaison to collect details of their activities, infrastructure and machinery. When the TNSP is in place they’ll build upon this and work with farmers on protocols for hosting transmission including guidelines for the operation of farm machinery in easements, any required permits and associated procedures. 

For information on farming with transmission, along with details about the conditions for machinery use and farming activities,  please access our Farming with Transmission Fact Sheet.