Northern Victoria Region
Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (14:16): (751) My question is for the Minister for Energy and Resources. I represent Northern Victoria, where residents have raised concern about the devastating impact of the proposed VNI West overhead transmission lines, which will impact families, businesses and local communities. As Victoria’s population and demand for electricity continue to grow, along with an ever-increasing state debt, it is critical that the government spend money on projects that will achieve the best outcome and long-term value for money. Last year the minister made a commitment to review the proposal put forward by energy specialists Professor Bruce Mountain, Simon Bartlett and Darren Edwards, which presents an alternative plan to the costly VNI West route. Their plan B uses existing easements to maximise electricity transmission and increase capacity. The government was to provide a response to this report last October. Securing Victoria’s energy supplies is critical, and I ask the minister to deliver on their response to the report and urgently share the findings of the government’s review.