The Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement.
The Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement (EES)
The Western Renewables Link is a proposed electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from western Victoria to homes and businesses across the state and into the National Electricity Market. As a significant proposed infrastructure development, the project is subject to an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.
The Western Renewables Link EES was prepared in accordance with the Ministerial guidelines for the assessment of environmental effects under the Environment Effects Act 1978 (Vic) and scoping requirements issued by the Minister for Planning for the project. A draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) was also prepared, in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic).
The EES and the draft PSA GC209 for the proposed Western Renewables Link were available for public comment between Monday 30 June 2025 and 11.59pm Monday 25 August 2025, and whilst public exhibition is now closed, the documents remain accessible below.
The EES describes the proposed project and its expected environmental effects, the process undertaken to develop the project, and how we propose to avoid, mitigate or manage environmental effects. The EES process is administered by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) on behalf of Victoria’s Minister for Planning. The proposed route for the Western Renewables Link will not be finalised until the Minister for Planning completes the Minister’s assessment of the EES and any matters raised are addressed.
Further information on the EES public review process can be found on the Department of Transport and Planning website's Public review of an EES.
Environment Effects Statement progress
Following EES exhibition, the Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) (appointed by the Minister for Planning) held a public hearing, which commenced on Monday 27 October 2025 and concluded on Tuesday 3 March 2026. The IAC reviews the exhibited EES and draft PSA, all submissions and evidence, the views of Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties, and any other relevant information.
The IAC will now prepare a report on its findings and recommendations on the environmental effects of the project. The report will be provided to the Minister for Planning. The Minister will then issue an assessment, which will determine whether the project’s environmental effects are acceptable.
Further information on the IAC and directions and panel hearings is available on the Engage Victoria website.
EES documents
View the EES chapters, technical reports and attachments below, or use a keyword search or search by topics of interest.
Browse by topic of interest
EES Summary Report
A short, plain English overview of the project and its potential impacts.
EES Chapters
There are nine introductory Chapters that provide an overview of the project rationale, legislative and approval requirements, assessment approach and the community and stakeholder engagement undertaken, and 21 technical chapters that provide an overview of the cultural, environmental, social, and economic impacts identified in the technical reports.
Technical Reports
The 20 technical reports contain detailed information about the study method used for each of the study topics. These in-depth impact assessments have been prepared by specialists on topics like biodiversity, heritage, noise, traffic, and agriculture.
To make downloading easier and more accessible, especially for users with limited bandwidth, we offer both the full file and smaller segmented parts for large documents so you can choose what works best for your connection and needs.
Attachments
Navigating the EES
To help you to understand our EES, find the information that’s important to you, and learn about the submission process and next steps, we recommend you read our guide to Navigating the EES or view our Understanding the Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement video.
EES fact sheets
We have prepared fact sheets that cover EES impact assessments to help you access the information that matters to you. They include insight into the impacts and risks that were identified, the assessment findings and the ways in which we propose to avoid or minimise impacts.
View the fact sheets on our Resources page.
EES Interactive map
Explore our interactive EES web map to view the Western Renewables Link project’s proposed project alignment, key features and virtual imagery of public locations along the route.
Keep informed
- Stay up to date by registering to receive our eUpdates and newsletters or visit our Project news page.
- Call us on 1800 WRL WRL (975 975)
- Email our project team at info@westernrenewableslink.com.au
- For further information on the EES process visit the Engage Victoria website.
Privacy
For more information on how we handle personal information, please visit the Western Renewables Link project’s privacy page and privacy collection statement: Privacy Policy - Western Renewables Link, which contains a link to the AusNet group’s privacy policy, located here: Privacy - AusNet. The AusNet group’s privacy policy sets out how the AusNet group, including AusNet Transmission Group Pty Ltd, collects and handles personal information and the privacy collection statement for the Western Renewables Link project sets out how AusNet Transmission Group Pty Ltd collects and handles personal information specifically for the Western Renewables Link project.
