The LiDAR surveys will allow AusNet to capture up-to-date imagery and mapping to assist the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project team as we continue to analyse geographic and topographic factors that need to be considered for the project’s development.
The data will be collected by a light aircraft (Cessna plane) equipped with plane mounted survey equipment that will operate within a corridor two kilometres wide; one kilometre either side of the proposed WRL route.
The aircraft will fly approximately between 950-1000 metres above ground level at any point. Given the significant flying altitude the plane shouldn’t cause any disturbance on the ground and is likely to go relatively unnoticed during this work.
It is expected the aircraft will make multiple passes within this corridor to capture all the necessary information. Possible inclement weather and instruction from air traffic control may require the scheduled flights to be delayed. Any changes to timing will be communicated to landholders and shared on the project website.
In addition AusNet will conduct ecology surveys in Ballan on Tuesday 28 July. The ecology surveys will help inform our project team about the impacts of the proposed Western Renewables Link transmission line on ecological communities in the Ballan area.
This involves a visual assessment from the roadside and will take up to one hour per location to complete.
Survey teams will not be entering private property for either of these survey activities and traffic management will be implemented where required.
AusNet will send email and SMS notifications to affected landholders in the cases where we have contact details. This will include a confirmation SMS the day of the surveys. If you have land along the proposed route and want to register your contact details, please contact us via 1300 360 795 or info@westernrenewableslink.com.au.
About the project
The Western Renewables Link is a proposed 190km 500kV overhead high-voltage electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from near Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.
The proposed Western Renewables Link will deliver the critical infrastructure needed to unlock the potential of western Victoria as a key Renewable Energy Zone and help deliver clean and affordable energy to all Victorians.
Project updates
To register for regular updates about the project, please visit www.westernrenewableslink.com.au.
If you have any questions, please call 1800 975 975 or email info@westernrenewableslink.com.au.