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 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. We are proposing a single amendment to make changes to all six planning schemes. The draft Planning Scheme Amendment has now been published with the EES.

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

Community comment

The draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) is an attachment to the EES and was exhibited for public comment between Monday 30 June 2025 and Monday 25 August 2025. Whilst public exhibition is now closed, the draft PSA remains accessible on our Environment Effects Statement webpage.

The Victorian Minister for Planning has appointed an independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) to conduct a public hearing. The IAC will review the exhibited EES and draft PSA, all submissions and evidence, the views of Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties, and any other relevant information before providing advice to the Minister for Planning, the Minister will assess the environmental effects of the project after considering the IAC’s report.

Information on the EES process can be found on Engage Victoria’s website.

Those who elected to participate in the inquiry when making their submission will be contacted prior to the hearing.