The Victorian government has introduced the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid) Bill 2024, which is the next step to establish VicGrid.
The new bill will ensure VicGrid has the power to modernise the way new energy infrastructure is planned and developed in Victoria while giving communities a voice in the process.
VicGrid will undertake all planning and consultation on energy projects, ensuring that community views are taken into account at the start of the planning process.
Under the legislation, VicGrid will implement the new Victorian Transmission Infrastructure Framework (VTIF) – which includes community engagement and benefit sharing arrangement for farmers, communities and Traditional Owners that host new transmission lines.
Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio introduced the bill in early March.
“Victoria is undergoing a once-in-a-generation energy transition,” she said.
“We’re making the community central to this and doing things differently to make sure it’s done right.
“We’re making sure energy infrastructure is delivered in a way that reduces impacts and provides benefits for the community and encourages investments that will keep the lights on and secure Victoria’s energy future.”
The next stages of VTIF will feature community funds that ensure the regions hosting energy infrastructure also see meaningful and lasting benefits from the energy transition. VicGrid will be consulting on these arrangements throughout this year.
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