FIVE people want to join Transmission Company Victoria’s VNI West community reference group.
TCV says it is assessing their applications as it looks to bring group membership to 20 people.
A spokesperson said: “A standing group of 20 members has always been TCV’s objective and recruiting additional members will support this aim, and provide good representation  across the project area.”
The latest call for members comes as reports have emerged of a possible walkout by some of the current 16 people on the group formed last year.
Barry Batters last week said discontent was brewing.
“We’re not getting answers, TCV is not listening to us. The meetings are supposed to be sessions for us to get answers for our communities. We are there as the voice of the community.
“But we are not being allowed to discuss anything other than how to make the line go through.”
TCV says it wants community-minded people who are ready to get involved and share ideas to join the group “to help minimise impacts  and deliver long-lasting community benefits from the VNI West project”.  
“The community reference group for VNI West is an important engagement mechanism to provide communities with an opportunity to work collaboratively on the project,” the spokesperson said.
“As outlined in the terms of reference, agenda items for the group are prepared by the independent chairperson with the support of the secretariat and input from TCV and the group.”
TCV has refused to answer questions on the timing of its latest round of consultation falling at the start of harvest across the area.
Sessions were held in Charlton on Tuesday and Kerang yesterday. A third session will be in Stawell today.
The corridor for the controversial renewable energy transmission line was released last month with nine Loddon Shire properties caught in the route.
One farmer complained last week about mixed messages about his property being in or out of the line’s planned path.
However, TCV said “the landholder was appropriately notified in relation to their properties”.
“Land liaison office has spoken to them to further explain that they received two letters for their two properties.”