AusNet charged for allegedly failing to upgrade 48 electricity transmission towers
Electricity distributor AusNet will face court after allegedly taking too long to upgrade older electricity transmission towers.
Electricity distributor AusNet has been charged after allegedly taking too long to upgrade older electricity transmission towers in the state’s North East.
Energy Safe Victoria has charged AusNet Transmission Group Pty Ltd (AusNet), accusing it of failing to comply with a legal obligation to reinforce 48 electricity transmission towers between Dederang and Corryong within an agreed time frame.
ESV said AusNet had committed to reinforcing the towers that were built to an older standard, due to concerns about their ability to withstand extreme wind events and their proximity to roadways.
To ensure the reinforcements were done ESV took action earlier this year, issuing an Improvement Notice which required AusNet to upgrade the towers by January 23, 2025.
Most of the 48 electricity transmission towers have since been strengthened.
The alleged failure to conduct the work by the due date is a breach of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 that attracts a maximum fine of almost $280,000.
The matter is listed for an administrative hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 31, 2025.
Victorian abattoir to appeal federal court ruling
A notice of appeal has been lodged by the abattoir which lost its bid to stop the publishing of footage illegally obtained by animal activists. See the latest.
Victorian bushfires burn more than 200,000ha so far
Bushfires across Victoria continue to burn including a new fire threatening in the state’s west, while the Otways fire threat has been reduced. See the latest.