AusNet operates over 6,600 kilometres of transmission lines across Victoria, with many farms operating alongside our infrastructure.

Farming with the Western Renewables Link

What farming activities would be permitted?

Permitted farming activities under the proposed Western Renewables Link transmission line include:

cropping (to within 5 metres of towers)
grazing
market gardens
orchards and horticultural nurseries (excluding buildings)
water storage dams (with sufficient clearances)
operation of irrigation equipment (excluding large gun-type irrigators).

We are working with landholders to design tower and access track locations to minimise the impacts on their farming and other activities

While aerial crop spraying is not permitted within an overhead easement, ground-based sprayers and uncrewed aerial vehicles such as drones may be allowed to operate within the easement (including under the transmission line) subject to a safety assessment and permit from AusNet.

We are working with landholders to design tower and access track locations to minimise the impacts on their farming and other activities.

There would also be restrictions on the use of the land if the transmission line was put underground. Permitted activities within an underground 500kV transmission line easement for the Western Renewables Link would include:

grazing
operation of irrigation equipment (with some restrictions)
aerial crop spraying.

Cropping, market gardens, orchards and dams would not be permitted.

Vehicle and equipment height clearances

Height clearances are important to ensure safety under and around transmission lines. There are different clearance guidelines between the existing transmission network and the proposed Western Renewables Link.

Western Renewables Link

The proposed 500kV Western Renewables Link transmission line is being designed with a minimum ground clearance of 15 metres.

Vehicles and equipment up to 5 metres in height will be able to travel and operate under the transmission line without permission from AusNet. Vehicles and equipment between 5 and 8.6 metres in height will generally be allowed to travel and operate, subject to an AusNet safety assessment prior to operating. The maximum height of vehicles and equipment cannot exceed 8.6 metres.

Our safety assessment will determine and advise whether a spotter and/or permit to work will be required for your specific property, vehicles, equipment and operations. Generally, equipment up to 8.6 metres at its maximum height will not require a spotter. We are working with landholders to discuss transmission line clearance concerns and what can be done to minimise impacts to properties and operations. We encourage landholders with property on the proposed route to discuss their farming operations with their Land Liaison Officer.

Existing AusNet transmission lines

Use of vehicles and equipment, such as cranes, excavators and elevated working platforms, exceeding 3 metres in operating height is prohibited under existing transmission lines. A higher operating height limit is subject to sufficient clearances to the conductors and requires an AusNet-approved ‘Permit to Work Adjacent to Exposed High Voltage Electrical Apparatus’. To arrange a safety assessment or permit, email ptw@ausnetservices.com.au. For more information, visit the Transmission network page on the AusNet website.

Community Farmingn with the Western Renewables Link Vehicle and quipment height clearances

Safety assessments

You may need a safety assessment or permit for certain equipment, activities or land uses in an easement. A written notice of permission to proceed will be issued following an assessment. It’s free to request a safety assessment or permit to work and we’ll issue a notice of permission to proceed following the assessment.

To arrange a safety assessment or permit:

Email ptw@ausnetservices.com.au. You’ll get a Permit to Work form to complete.
Complete and return the Permit to Work form to ptw@ausnetservices.com.au.
We will review the form within 5 business days of receipt and contact you if we need more information. It generally takes 10 business days to complete a safety assessment or permit application, which includes a desktop analysis.

You can also contact your Land Liaison Officer to discuss any requirements for activities within the easement. They can also organisation a safety assessment for you.

Note: Restrictions and clearances stated above relate to the proposed 500kV Western Renewables Link double circuit transmission line. For all other existing electricity transmission lines within Victoria, read the Living with transmission lines page on the AusNet website.