VNI West transmission network costs double as Victorian farmer protests
VNI West will run 475 kilometres from New South Wales to Victoria, connecting the Energy Connect transmission line that is under construction in NSW to the yet-to-be-built Western Renewables Link in Victoria.
Previously estimated to cost $3.9 billion, yesterday the Australian Energy Market Operator increased its cost estimate to $7.6 billion, and potentially as much as $11.4 billion.
When complete, it will transmit renewable energy between the two states, and the Victorian government argues it is necessary to "keep the lights on" and push down power prices.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Brett Hosking said the cost blowout came as no surprise.
"I think it's what farmers said right from the start, that it felt like the numbers were underdone," Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking accused project developer Transmission Company Victoria of failing to engage properly with affected landowners.
"Unfortunately, the poor engagement and the poor management of the project has resulted in delays, and will continue to result in delays until we see a massive turnaround in the attitudes of the proponents," he said.
There have been numerous farmer-led protests against VNI West, including in regional towns and on the steps of parliament.
Transmission Company Victoria was not available for an interview, but in a statement, spokesperson Claire Cass said the cost blowout was due to "inflationary pressures that are affecting major infrastructure projects across Australia and the globe".
Victorian Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said, despite the inflated price tag, the benefit of VNI West would outweigh the cost, rejecting any suggestion the future of the project was uncertain.
"It is a fact that without building transmission projects … that deliver that cheap, reliable electricity, bills would actually go up and our energy supply would be in danger," Ms D'Ambrosio said.
Ms D'Ambrosio said the government would closely monitor the cost of transmission projects.
"I will always hold proponents of projects to account on costs," she said.
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