Hundreds of people, 70 tractors and more vehicles protest the AusNet towers in Ballarat

The Stop AusNet’s Towers rally opposed what it called an “ill-conceived project” with a convoy that included tractors, utes, semi-loaders, cars, and bicycles.

A Stop AusNet's Towers rally at state parliament on March 8, 2022. Photo: Stop AusNet's Towers

More than 500 protesters and 70 tractors joined the Stop AusNet rally in Ballarat on Friday, demanding a “seat at the table” when it comes to AusNet’s Western Victoria Transmission Project.

Moorabool Central Highlands Power Alliance chair Emma Muir said the protest was “pretty impressive” with 100 vehicles, prime movers and firetrucks joining the convoy.

“There was just phenomenal support there,” she said.

“We just want a seat at the table to have a conversation about proper planning of the project and how to do it properly.”

The Stop AusNet’s Towers rally will opposed what it called an “ill-conceived project” and hopes to “ensure the people of Ballarat and the surrounding areas are aware of the significant negative impacts of this project on their community”.

Last year, AusNet outlined its proposed route for the 190km-long renewable energy transmission line between Bulgana and Sydenham.
Construction is meant to begin in mid-2024 and end in 2026.

The convoy against AusNet transmission project in Ballarat. Picture: Picture: Facebook

Stop AusNet’s Towers believes the transmission project would be detrimental to agriculture, the environment, and the visual appeal of the proposed route.

“It’s a pretty depressing project,” Ms Muir said.

AusNet said this week the route was subject to change and a final would be published later in the year.

“Over the coming months we will further refine the proposed route, leading to the project’s final proposed route alignment,” it said.

“These refinements will be based on consultations with landholders as well as input from other stakeholders along with design considerations.”

Many landholders and opponents of the project would prefer the transmission lines be put underground.

Ausnet considers ‘undergrounding’ technically feasible, but not without its own negative effects.

Last year it found overhead construction the most appropriate approach to the project as a whole, but left on the table the possibility of partial undergrounding.

Tractors formed part of the convoy in Ballarat. Picture: Picture: Facebook

An AusNet Services spokesman said the company was continuing to seek feedback from residents along the route.

“We fully understand the concern and uncertainty a project of this size can create for local communities and families and we are continuing to engage and consult with communities and landholders, right along the route,” he said.

“AusNet recognises the significance of these rallies and community-driven events, particularly for impacted landholders and community members.

“We have advised representatives of the rally that we would welcome the opportunity to discuss specific issues and concerns from the rally.

“We are also currently exploring future opportunities to meet with and communicate directly with the community.”

He said the existing transmission network in western Victoria was at capacity and the new link was critical infrastructure for the provision of renewable energy to Victorian homes.

The convoy, contained tractors, utes, semi-loaders, cars, and bicycles and begun in the morning and culminated in afternoon speeches in the Ballarat CBD.