Council welcomes AEMO's KerangLink commitment
Published on 04 July 2022
Gannawarra Shire Council has welcomed the Australian Energy Market Operator’s call for the development of KerangLink (also known as VNI West) – which will enable further large-scale renewable energy projects to be constructed within the municipality and across north-western Victoria – to proceed “as urgently as possible”.
AEMO recommended in December 2021 that the Victorian and Federal governments proceed with developing KerangLink - which will connect Victoria and New South Wales’ electricity network via infrastructure that passes through the Gannawarra Shire – with construction to be completed by 2031. The transmission line will also connect into South Australia, giving the three states the ability to share power.
However, AEMO’s recent 2022 Integrated Systems Plan, published on 30 June, is recommending for KerangLink to proceed “as urgently as possible” to provide “valuable insurance” against coal-fired power stations closing faster than expected.
“KerangLink will set up Northern Victoria as the nation’s largest renewable energy zone and will secure the Gannawarra’s economic sustainability,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“KerangLink would not be possible without the support and advocacy from our local, State and Federal government colleagues. These include Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster; State Minister for Energy, Lily D’Ambrosio; State Government departments, including the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, and Regional Development Victoria; Mallee Regional Partnership; Murray River Group of Councils; and the Loddon Campaspe Group of Councils.”
KerangLink is one of five projects identified by AEMO as part of its 30-year roadmap for supplying reliable and affordable electricity while also achieving the Albanese Government’s goal of Australia achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
“Just like the development of irrigation changed the landscape of northern Victoria in the early 20th century, the construction of KerangLink will transform the Gannawarra, enabling renewable projects such as wind, solar and battery storage to proceed in the municipality,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
“The development of KerangLink will open up billions of dollars of investment, thousands of construction jobs in the years to come and potential millions to our Council in future Payment in Lieu of Rate payments.
“It will also be a major influencer in strengthening the local economy and raising the profile of the Gannawarra as a destination for business and relocation.”