The Environment Effects Statement (EES) and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) for the Western Renewables Link are now on public exhibition.
The community is invited to review the EES and draft PSA, and to meet the technical specialists to ask questions and better understand their assessments.
Following extensive planning, community and stakeholder engagement, the EES outlines how the project could impact people, land, heritage, and the environment – and what measures are proposed to avoid, minimise or manage those effects.
Anyone can make a submission on the EES and draft PSA during the exhibition period via the Engage Victoria website by 11.59pm on Friday 22 August 2025.
The EES covers a broad range of topics, reflecting the size and scope of the project. To help navigate this a range of supporting materials have been developed. The Navigating the EES fact sheet serves as a practical guide, outlining what has been assessed and where to find further details. For a concise overview, the EES Summary Report is a great starting point. It lists all the topics covered and directs readers to more in-depth information.
All documents, including the full EES are available at westernrenewableslink.com.au/ees. Hard copies and USBs are available at the display locations.
In addition, a series of community information sessions and pop-ups will be held across the project area to give residents the chance to speak directly with technical specialists and the project team.
AusNet general manager, major projects and lead for the Western Renewables Link, Gerard Carew said the project’s EES was the result of several years of work, and that AusNet project team members will be available to assist people understand how it has been compiled.
“We encourage community members to attend one of the information sessions before making a submission,” he said.
“It’s a valuable opportunity to speak with the people who conducted the technical studies, ask questions specific to your interest, and to help you gather the available information before preparing your submission.”
“Your voice matters, and the EES is an opportunity for the decision makers to hear how the project impacts you, whether that is positive or negative,” Mr Carew said.
Attending an information session is free, and no booking is required.
Locations and times are available at westernrenewableslink.com.au/ees.
Submissions can be lodged through Engage Victoria at: engage.vic.gov.au/Western-Renewables-Link-IAC.
