AusNet Services along with Elders and other Traditional Owners will be conducting surveys for Aboriginal cultural values in parts of the project area during July and August. This work was originally planned for May but was postponed due to calving and lambing seasons and poor weather.
This work will help local Elders and other Traditional Owners identify and protect their intangible cultural heritage in accordance with Victorian legislation. The surveys will also allow the project team to capture information about Aboriginal cultural heritage that will form an important part of the Environment Effects Statement currently being prepared. These values are related to stories, song lines and history of the Traditional Owners of the area.
The work will include an aerial survey via helicopter which will be undertaken during the week commencing Monday 18 July in two main areas along the proposed route from Ballan to Dean and Waubra to Glenbrae.
The helicopter will fly no lower than 1000 feet over built-up areas and 500 feet above other areas as per Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. When flying between survey areas the helicopter will fly as high as possible to minimise disruption to people, animals and farming operations.
Ground based values assessments will also be carried out along some key waterways. These works will complement cultural heritage surveys also being undertaken on private property and on public road reserves along the proposed route.
During all survey and assessment works, we request that community members respect the Elders and other Traditional Owners. This is important work to fulfil their responsibility to protect the area’s Aboriginal cultural values and heritage. The Traditional Owners have requested not to be photographed or posted on social media while they go about this sensitive work.
Landholders directly adjacent to these survey areas will be notified via email or SMS provided we have their details.
We understand that helicopters can cause disturbance; our goal is to provide early notification, so local residents and farmers have time to make any necessary arrangements. If you have land in these areas and want to register your contact details, or if you feel this work may impact your business, please contact info@westernrenewableslink.com.au or call 1300 360 795.
About the project
The Western Renewables Link is a proposed new 190km high-voltage electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in Western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.
The project is critical infrastructure required to unlock the renewable energy potential of Western Victoria as a key Renewable Energy Zone and will help to deliver clean and affordable energy to Victorians.
Once complete, the additional transmission line capacity will carry enough energy to power more than 500,000 homes.
Updates about the project
To register for regular updates about the project, please visit www.westernrenewableslink.com.au.
If you have any questions, please call 1300 360 795 or email info@westernrenewableslink.com.au.