LANDHOLDER compensation for the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line will “reflect the needs and expectations of the community”.
A Transmission Company Victoria spokesman on Monday told the Loddon Herald that it was was reviewing the compensation framework following recent stakeholder feedback.
He said TCV’s compensation package to landowners on the route from Stawell to Kerang and through northern parts of the Loddon Shire would be additional to the State Government compensation offer.
“Through the community reference group and on-property discussions, we will continue to seek feedback from landholders about their views on potential impacts and what ‘fair and reasonable’ looks like,” he said.
“These discussions include working through an overview of TCV’s proposed compensation package with the group including landholder professional fees, property specific compensation, and additional payments with an emphasis on ensuring long-term impacts and stress are addressed fairly. 
“Property valuations are an important starting point and early step in this conversation, to enable a more informed discussion of compensation.”
Talks on refining a compensation package come as TCV’s parent company Australian Energy Market Operator begins the next phase to select a project delivery partner for VNI West. The spokesman said the invitation to tender closed in November.
“Following submissions from a number of high-quality applicants. Applications are currently being evaluated ahead of selecting a delivery partner for the VNI West project,” he said.
“Evaluation criteria was developed with input from the Victorian Government, key community stakeholders including the community reference group and social value reference group as well as traditional owners.
“The social value reference group provided a briefing prior to the tender process to inform industry participants’ understanding of community and traditional owner needs and expectations in relation to social value and benefits creation.
“The development partner alongside TCV will adopt, adhere to and deliver upon the social value strategy developed for the project.
“As part of their tender responses, proponents were required to submit a detailed overview of their approach to delivering long-term social value for VNI West’s traditional owners and communities impacted by the project.”
The spokesman said that would include how the partner leveraged the purchasing power of the project to drive local economic growth, skills development and employment opportunities and programs to make positive contributions in line with the needs and priorities of communities.