Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) is a proposed new high-voltage electricity transmission project that would strengthen the connection between Victoria and New South Wales. It would improve access to renewable electricity and storage and support a secure and reliable electricity supply for Victorians during the energy transition.
VNI West is required to complete an Environment Effects Statement (EES), and obtain relevant Victorian and Commonwealth approvals, before construction can begin. An EES describes the proposed project, its rationale, potential environmental and social effects and how VicGrid proposes to avoid, mitigate or manage environmental effects. The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) administers the process on behalf of the Minister for Planning.
The VNI West EES is prepared in accordance with the Ministerial guidelines for assessment of environmental effects under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) and the scoping requirements issued by the Minister for Planning. A draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) GC316 is also being prepared in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic).
The proposed easement for VNI West will not be finalised until the Minister for Planning has completed the Minister’s assessment of the EES and any matters raised through the assessment and approvals process have been addressed.
