COMMUNITY engagement for the VNI West project could face a major setback with a predicted mass walkout of reference group members.
The project has faced constant community criticism since the proposed route was abruptly changed more than 18 months ago, the Bendigo to Kerang option dropped and replaced with putting the line from Stawell to Kerang.
Amid anger that Australian Energy Market Operator was not consulting communities, the reference group was formed last year.
But according to Barry Batters, one of 16 members on the group, discontent is brewing.
“We’re not getting answers, TCV is not listening to us,” he told the Loddon Herald this week.
“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.”
Mr Batters also claimed minutes of reference group meetings were not always accurate and “reflecting the feeling of meetings”.
TCV has again called for expressions of interest for membership of the reference group that has a meeting scheduled for Charlton next week.
However, TCV is still to answer enquires about the bid for members and whether it wants an increased membership or to replace members who may resign.
One current member said: “At the moment, they’ll probably take anyone. The meetings don’t really achieve anything.”
TCV says that people wanting to ask questions are to right to reference group chair Claire Flanagan-Smith.
Although listed as an independent chair, Mr Batters said there had been questions raised about Ms Flanagan-Smith’s impartiality
- CHRIS EARL