A Planning Scheme Amendment is proposed as the primary planning approval for the Western Renewables Link.

Planning Scheme Amendment

Most infrastructure projects that require both an Environment Effects Statement (EES) and planning approval follow a planning scheme amendment (PSA) process under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Vic).

Western Renewables Link is located across six local government areas: Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Ballarat, Hepburn, Moorabool and Melton. The project’s Planning Scheme Amendment was gazetted on 30 September 2026 and establishes project-specific controls for design, construction and operation of the project within the six planning schemes.

The PSA gazettal can be viewed here.

The local government areas along the proposed route can be viewed on our interactive map.

Community comment

The draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) was exhibited for public comment with the project’s Environment Effects Statement in 2025. An independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee subsequently considered submissions, evidence and other relevant information through a public hearing process that concluded in March 2026.

Following publication of the Minister for Planning’s assessment of the project’s EES, the PSA was approved and gazetted on 30 September 2026. The approval of the PSA is a significant step in the approvals process for the project and establishes the planning controls for design, construction and operation of the project. Further State and Commonwealth approvals and consents are still required before construction can begin.

The exhibited draft remains available as part of the project’s EES documentation. The PSA gazettal can be viewed here.