The project will provide a range of benefits for all Victorians.
Benefits
Our commitment to western Victoria
It’s important that regional communities benefit from hosting the infrastructure that delivers the energy transition.
In western Victoria, we will continue to engage with the community to determine a range of social value programs which address key social, economic and environmental needs in the region. Planned programs include a community fund, training and skills development programs and building energy resilience by supporting community energy projects.
Downward pressure on power bills
Improving energy security and reliability
Increasing economic activity in the region
Economic benefits
The Western Renewables Link will bring significant economic investment to western Victoria.
We’re working closely with local communities, Traditional Owners and regional leaders to understand local needs, reduce impacts and build strong, mutually beneficial relationships — including developing an industry-leading social licence framework.
It is estimated that construction of the Western Renewables Link will generate up to 700 full-time jobs, with more than 1,000 indirect jobs expected through supporting industries. Over the next 15 years, investment in transmission infrastructure in western Victoria is projected to help create up to 6,500 new jobs in the Western Victoria Renewable Energy Zone.
We are currently seeking expressions of interest from local businesses, social enterprises and institutional providers for supplies and services. For more information, visit our Businesses Businesses and suppliers page.
Community Benefit Sharing Program
In response to community feedback, the WRL Community Benefit Sharing Program has been expanded to provide funding during the development phase. This means a range of initiatives will begin rolling out in 2025 ahead of planning approval.
The WRL Community Benefit Sharing Program recognises that communities hosting infrastructure are central to enabling a clean energy future for all. It is designed to deliver sustainable outcomes and lasting benefits for regions along the proposed route - creating meaningful impact by addressing local priorities such as limited digital access, improved health services, affordable and reliable energy, and greater access to jobs and training.
If the project proceeds, further funding will be unlocked and include a co-designed Community Benefit Fund, ensuring that future initiatives are shaped by what communities identify as most meaningful for them.
Renewable energy benefits
We are proud to be helping the Victorian government achieve its ambitious renewable energy agenda and create a lasting, positive legacy for Victorians that brings affordable and reliable, clean energy for Victorian homes and businesses.
Supporting the energy transition towards renewables will reduce CO2 emissions and result in significant benefits for the environment, including cleaner air and waterways, and protecting biodiversity.
For more information, visit AusNet’s Environment and climate page.
Improving energy security
The Western Renewables Link will contribute to the successful transition from coal by connecting large scale wind and solar in western Victoria to power up to 1- million homes and reduce congestion on the existing transmission network.
The proposed 500kV transmission line will be capable of carrying more than 3,000 MW and will unlock solar and wind projects in the Western Victoria Renewable Energy Zone to the grid and provide a direct connection between the New South Wales and Victorian electricity grids.
