COMMUNITY pop-ups by Transmission Company Victoria along the VNI West renewable energy transmission line route have attracted fresh criticism.
Last Thursday’s 90-minute session in Boort saw two TCV staff standing in searing heat on the opposite side of promoted pop-up location and not displaying any signs, according to Boort’s Cleo Lanyon.
“It’d far from a pretty look ... and employing staff and making them stand out in the sun on a hot day,” she said.
“They were virtually hiding in the street and barely doing anything.
“If you don’t follow them on social pages - only 167 people do - you would not even know where they were going to be.”
Mrs Lanyon also questioned why TCV was continuing with the impromptu sessions during harvest. “We’re in the middle of harvest and no one has the time to come into town,” she said.
A TCV spokesperson said details of the pop-ups had been included in the November project update sent to 1600 people.
But she said the sessions aimed to connect with “a broader range of people”.
“We try to give as much notice as possible,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s a less formal opportunity for people to drop by and creates a more regular presence in the community. It’s not tick-a-box.”
“We realise it’s harvest time but it (landowners) not primarily who we are reaching out to.”
The spokesperson said pop-up sessions would continue into next year.
“We wanted to keep going this year even though it’s harvest time.
“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 mid-December and re-commencing in mid-January 2025.”
Photographs taken by opponents of the controversial project show similar scant signage and two TCV staff on the footpath for last week’s Charlton pop-up session. Police were also present for part of the sessions.
TCV said its signage was damaged at a Donald pop-up session.