RE-Alliance has warned the Victorian Government against delaying the Western Renewables Link, following Premier Ben Carroll's announcement of a new assessment of the project’s costs.
RE-Alliance Policy and Engagement Manager Tony Goodfellow said that after years of planning, a project delay will create further uncertainty for regional communities and put additional pressure on Victoria’s energy system.
“Western Renewables Link is a long-established project that’s been studied, consulted on and planned over many years. It will connect new energy projects to keep the lights on in Victoria.
“Communities across western Victoria have been asked to participate in that process and prepare for the changes and opportunities it will bring. They should not now be thrown back into uncertainty because the politics has become difficult in Melbourne.
“RE-Alliance has consistently called for better consultation, fair treatment of affected landholders and stronger benefits for host communities. But those legitimate concerns will not be resolved by another delay. They will be resolved by delivering the project properly, with communities at the table.
“Yallourn is scheduled to close in mid-2028 and even on its current timeline, the Western Renewables Link is not expected to be ready until 2029. Victoria does not have time to keep reopening decisions that have been years in the making.
“Recent Nexa Advisory modelling found that delays to renewable generation and transmission could increase average wholesale electricity prices by 37 per cent between 2027 and 2031, costing a typical household up to $472 over five years.
“The Coalition wants to pause and review the Western Renewables Link, while One Nation wants to abolish it altogether. The answer to those reckless positions is not for Labor to signal a project slowdown.
“Stable energy policy matters. Regional communities, farmers and businesses need governments to follow through on long-term plans—not compete over who can create the most uncertainty.”
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For media inquiries and interview requests please contact Monica Tan on 0425 243 750 or monica@re-alliance.org.au.
