SHORT-NOTICE community consultation on the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project has  been branded as tick-a-box engagement.
But Transmission Company Victoria says it will continue using the model into 2025.
The Australian Energy Market Operator subsidiary gave only a few days notice of pop-ups in Charlton and Kerang this week with a third session in Boort today.
Glenda Watts, a member of the project’s community reference group, said: “Another TCV drop-in Session, another tick in the TCV’s consultation box and just another waste of time with unmeasurable frustration for the local communities and their farmers.
“One is only disappointed by one’s own expectations. As a TCV community reference group member – supposedly a two way communication process between community and TCV – I attended the Zoom CRG meeting the previous evening – another successful ticking the box exercise for TCV and yes, another complete waste of time for most others in attendance. But, no expectations, no disappointments.”
Mrs Watts said curiosity led to the Charlton drop-in session. 
“Five locals were in attendance but it was the end of the session. ‘Around 30, yes about 30’? was the answer when asked how many had attended. It was suggested that it was a low figure and perhaps people knew there would be no consultation, and like previous sessions it would once again be a complete waste of time plus the fact that it was ‘conveniently’ timed during the start of harvest may also have had something to do with the low numbers,” she said.
“Of course, this was completely dismissed and the response was ‘oh no, the route has been narrowed now, not as many people are involved and everyone is happy.”
“Do TCV employees not listen, last Tuesday, did they have their eyes shut really really tight, all the time they were in Charlton and did not see the Charlton streets and shop windows with their red and white signs boldly protesting against the transmission towers? 
“It was blatantly obvious at the CRG meeting, they had no desire to show any interest what so ever in the map showing 140km of shoulder to shoulder opposition to the transmission towers,
“It was as though it hadn’t been held up in front of them (maybe their eyes were still shut really really tight) … but maybe they are trying. An employee took a step closer to a frustrated farmer, looked him in the eye, put her hand on her heart and said ‘I understand, I really do completely understand, can I meet with you somewhere other than here?” said Mrs Watts.
A TCV spokesperson said: “Last week’s community events in Charlton, Kerang and Stawell coincided with the first of a series of regional pop-ups, with members of the TCV team setting up small information booths in the main streets of Kerang and Charlton ... and Boort.”
“Communities can expect to see more of TCV in their towns, as we establish a regular presence through our regional pop-ups program, progressing into December.
“TCV will rotate between Charlton, Boort, Kerang, Donald and Stawell each week, hearing from community members directly, responding to questions and sharing project information.
“We are reaching out to landholders and near-neighbours directly, and this new initiative is to give all members of local communities an additional channel to speak with the project team about the VNI West project.  
“This week, TCV will be in Kerang, Charlton and Boort, where people can stop by for a chat with the team to learn more about VNI West, or to tell us a bit more about your property or town.”
 Members of the reference group have vented frustrations in recent weeks with some suggesting many will resign as TCV tries to recruit new members.