FAQs

What is the Western Renewables Link project?
What changes have been made to the Western Renewables Link project?
Why is this infrastructure needed?
What is the wider community benefit?
Who is delivering the project?
Farmers, particularly potato farmers, say your transmission lines will destroy their business. How do you respond?
Are transmission lines dangerous in terms of bushfires?
What are the health implications for living near electricity transmission?
How do you define a “significant view”?
How close can transmission lines and towers be built to a building such as a home, a school or a business?
How has feedback been used?
How can local businesses get involved?
What is AusNet doing for the mental and physical health of impacted communities?
How do I make a complaint?
How can I make an enquiry or share feedback?

What is an Environment Effects Statement (EES)?
Who is approving the EES?
What are the next steps after the exhibition of the EES?
Understanding alternative options
Are environmental impacts being considered?
What was the new Environment Effects Statement referral?
Why were the Sydenham Terminal Station works removed from the project scope?

What is the primary planning approval for the Western Renewables Link?
How does a planning scheme amendment differ from a planning permit process?
What does the draft planning scheme amendment propose?

What is the role of your Land Liaison Officer?
Why is access required?
What will happen on my property?
Will aerial surveys be used?
What if something significant is found?
Can I view survey results?
How will AusNet request access to your land for field surveys and investigations?
How do I provide voluntary consent for access?
What happens if voluntary land access consent is not reached?
What is the Land Access Consent form (LAC)?
What is the Landholder Participation Fee payment?
What is the Essential Services Commission Land Access Code of Practice?
AusNet's commitments regarding access
What is section 93 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic)?
What is a neighbouring landholder?

Is the proposed route the final route?
Why haven’t my concerns about the route of the transmission line been taken into consideration?
Why is the Western Highway option not being pursued?
What options are being explored for reducing visual impact?
What will the proposed route be around Waubra?
What will the proposed route be around Hepburn Lagoon?
What changes were made to the proposed route in August 2024? 

What is an easement?
Will the easement be shown on the property title?
Why is an easement needed for a transmission line?
How wide is the easement?
Are there differences between the existing transmission network and the proposed Western Renewables Link?
What activities are permitted within easements?
How can I apply for a safety assessment or permit to work?
How do easements affect bushfires and firefighting?
What happens when AusNet receives a planning referral for land near transmission lines?

Will there be compensation paid to landholders where there is an easement on their property?
How is compensation for the easement assessed?
Who determines the amount of compensation and how will I know if the compensation process is fair?
There are reports landholders will get certain specific amounts in compensation. Is this true?
Is the compensation less for a property only hosting the cables and no towers?
Will neighbours to the easement receive benefits?
When will compensation be paid?
Is compensation a one-off payment or an annual payment?
Will this project impact the value of my property?

What is an Option for Easement?
What documents are in the Option for Easement proposal pack?
Will professional advice expenses be covered?
How is compensation assessed in the Option for Easement?
Can I get a second opinion on the compensation valuation?
Does compensation cover sheds, farm equipment and crops etc.?
What are the key differences between the Option for Easement and compulsory acquisition of the easement?
What if the project does not gain approvals?
How does this relate to the landholder payments announced by the Victorian Government recently?
Where can landholders find more information about the Option for Easement process and compensation?
What legislation has changed?
Does the Western Renewables Link project have compulsory acquisition powers?
Does this mean the project will move ahead before the Environment Effects Statement (EES) is complete?

Who has been appointed to build the Western Renewables Link?
Why was the construction contractor appointed?
I’m a landholder. What changes for me now that a delivery partner has been appointed?
How will biosecurity requirements be adhered to?
Why has a delivery partner been appointed before planning approvals have been granted?
When will energy developers be able to connect to the Western Renewables Link?

What is the difference between transmission and distribution lines and networks?
How tall will the transmission towers for Western Renewables Link be? 
How far apart will the transmission towers be?
What will the ground clearance be?
When will transmission line infrastructure be inspected?

What new terminal stations are required for the project?
Where will the proposed terminal stations be?
How big will the proposed new terminal station near Bulgana be?

What is the difference between overhead and underground transmission lines?
Is undergrounding being considered?

Search Results

Option for Easement process

What legislation has changed?

Transmission companies have long held powers to seek approval to compulsorily acquire easements for the purposes of erecting, laying and maintaining power lines.

The Victorian Parliament passed amendments to the Electricity Industry Act 2000 in March 2026 that allow a transmission company to seek approval to compulsorily acquire an easement while an Environment Effects Statement process is still underway.

Despite the legislative change, our focus remains on working to reach voluntary Option for Easement (OFE) agreements with all landowners.

Previous FAQ
When will energy developers be able to connect to the Western Renewables Link?
Next FAQ
Does the Western Renewables Link project have compulsory acquisition powers?

More information

 
Resources
Resources
 
News & events
News & events
 
About the project
About the project
 
Register for eUpdates
Register for eUpdates