We are committed to working with landholders to minimise interruptions to property, households, businesses and farming operations throughout the development of this project.
We recognise that the requirements of each property and landholder are unique, and that issues such as property access, easement creation and compensation are extremely important.
The Western Renewables Link is critical to delivering clean and affordable energy to Victorians by unlocking the renewable energy potential of western Victoria. Landholders are key stakeholders in delivering this project for all Victorians, and we are committed to working with them respectfully and responsively.
We recognise that this project presents real challenges for some landholders, and we’re committed to listening, addressing concerns, and minimising disruption wherever possible.
Each landholder with property within the proposed route has a dedicated land liaison officer to provide project information and updates, address any questions and concerns, and consult with landholders when specific input is required for the project. Additionally, landholders can engage with the project team in several ways — through one-on-one meetings, property-specific discussions, community drop-in sessions, and by providing feedback during formal consultation periods. Engaging helps ensure we can consider individual circumstances, such as farm operations, future development plans, or access requirements, and work together on the best possible outcomes for each property.
We are committed to meaningful engagement with landholders at every stage of the project. Our approach is guided by four key values: understanding, openness, respect, and responsiveness.
These principles are reflected in our commitment to the Essential Services Commission’s Land Access Code of Practice, and in our recognition of landholders as key partners — and hosts — in delivering the infrastructure needed for the Western Renewables Link.
We will continue to work with landholders along the proposed route, to understand the potential impact of the project to them, and their families, property and business.
We are committed to delivering extensive and meaningful engagement with landholders throughout the planning, delivery and operation of the Western Renewables Link. We will engage with landholders in an open, inclusive, accessible and timely manner. Our approach is underpinned by four key values – understanding, openness, respect and responsiveness.
We have developed a set of landholder specific guides including:
You can also explore our frequently asked questions (FAQs), which we regularly update with the latest information.
An easement is a right held by one person to access, occupy and/or use part of the land owned by another person, for a particular purpose. The easement terms outline what the easement holder and the landholder can and can’t do in the easement area.
Our Landholder Guide: Easement safety and permitted activities (PDF, 721KB) provides information on activities allowed within an easement, safety clearances and assessments, permits and guidelines.
We will pay compensation to landholders if we are acquiring an easement over their property.
The Landholder Guide: Option for Easement process, compensation and benefits (PDF, 694KB) provides comprehensive information, including the process for easement acquisition through a voluntary Option for Easement proposal, payments the landholder will be entitled to and how compensation is assessed.
We aim to be respectful and flexible at all times in our approach to scheduling field surveys and investigations on your property and work closely with landholders on the timing and logistics.
Field surveys and investigations are required to confirm the existing conditions and environmental sensitivities of the land and assess the potential impacts of the project. The findings of field surveys have helped us to identify the proposed route with the least overall impact and to identify the indicative tower sites and access track locations in consultation with landholders. We may also request access to private property to visit the proposed route, discuss tower siting and access tracks, and undertake property visits with valuers to assess the value of compensation for the acquisition of an easement.
We acknowledge that requesting access to private property can raise questions and concerns for landholders. We are committed to engaging openly, listening to landholders’ concerns, considering requests and requirements, and working together to achieve the best outcome. Our aim is to minimise disruption to landholders, their families and properties throughout this process. We can provide you with a summary of the findings of surveys undertaken on your property upon request.
We contact landholders directly about any field surveys undertaken on or near their property. Surveys in public areas are listed on our Upcoming field works page.
The Essential Services Commission’s (ESC) Land Access Code of Practice (Code of Practice) came into effect on 1 March 2024.
The ESC’s Code of Practice governs procedures for electricity transmission companies, such as AusNet, to follow when seeking access to private land under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic) (Act). The Code of Practice mandates specific requirements to be followed before, during and after land access under section 93 of the Act, to improve communication with landholders, occupiers and other key stakeholders and to minimise impact.
We are committed to complying with the Code of Practice and our engagement approach and processes for land access align with the requirements set out by the ESC.
For more information on our land access procedures and protocols, read our Landholder Guide: Land access for field surveys and investigations.
For a full copy of the Code of Practice, visit the Essential Services Commission website.
If you are a landholder on the proposed route, you can call or email your designated Land Liaison Officer (LLO) any time to ask questions about the project.
Our LLOs are committed to responding as quickly as possible and aim to get back to landholders within two business days.
Feedback, complaints and questions can be submitted through:
