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Victoria government orders cost review of Western Renewables Link
The Victorian government has ordered an independent review of the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project costs following significant community opposition. Premier Ben Carroll announced that compulsory land acquisitions for the project will be paused until next year while the assessment is conducted.
The $1.5 billion, 190-kilometre high-voltage transmission project, being delivered by Ausnet, aims to connect renewable energy generators in regional Bulgana to the Melbourne suburban fringe at Sydenham. The review is intended to ensure the project provides value for money for consumers, with a public report expected by the end of the year.
Local landowners and farmers have protested the project, citing concerns over the selected route, the consultation process, and the potential impact of transmission towers on farming operations. The project is also currently undergoing an environmental effects statement process.
Entities
Ausnet · Ben Carroll · Melbourne · Victoria · Western Renewables Link
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ausnet is the company delivering the transmission project. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Premier Ben Carroll has commissioned an independent assessment of the Western Renewables Link costs. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The independent cost assessment report is due by the end of the year. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Western Renewables Link is a 190-kilometre, $1.5 billion project. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au
- [● 3 SOURCES] Compulsory land acquisitions for the project route are paused until next year. www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au · www.smh.com.au