NINE Loddon Shire landowners will see the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project run through their properties.
Transmission Company Victoria Wednesday morning announced the 70-metre wide easement Stawell to Kerang promising “rigorous studies and assessments”.
The announcement came just a day after TCV denied briefing Melbourne media on plans.
TCV had earlier vowed to speak with landowners before the route’s public release.
The route map shows the project running just north of Charlton, between Oakvale and Boort and into Kerang.
TCV said landholders would remain a priority. “Conversations with landholder are important to identify how we can minimise the impact to their farm operations, day-to-day movements, and plans for future improvements. We hope to work together in the next phase as we confirm the easement location and finalise the design for the project, including the location of infrastructure such as transmission towers.”
The Australian Energy Market Operator subsidiary company yesterday said an environmental effects statement consultation would start soon but it will be open for just 15 days.
“Draft scoping requirements outlining the matters to be investigated as part of the EES have been developed by the Department of Transport and Planning in consultation with TCV and the Technical Reference Group. The draft scoping requirements will soon be exhibited for public comment. Members of the community will be able to provide feedback to DTP on the draft scoping requirements through the government website Engage Victoria for a period of 15 business days. 
“We will provide more detail on this process and how to get involved once the timing is confirmed. All submissions received will be reviewed by DTP and considered as part of the process to finalise the EES scoping requirements.
“Confirming these details will help us to not only minimise any impacts but allow us to start working together to determine what fair and reasonable compensation may look like for each landholder, considering the unique features of each property and potential impacts to ongoing operations and land-use.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson said: “Transmission Company Victoria is prioritising contact with landholders in communications about the planned route for the new transmission line.”
But TCV still faces battles along the 240km route with only 120 landowners signing agreements to give the Australian Energy Market Operator subsidiary company access to land. There are an estimated 500-plus landowners on the route. “More than 120 land access agreements are in place with landholders to allow important survey work to continue,” the spokesperson said.
“Since August last year, TCV’s dedicated landholder liaisons have worked closely with individual landholders on their access agreements, which has allowed completion of more than 50 field surveys including ecological,  historical heritage and noise monitoring assessments.”
Meanwhile, TCV has refused to say whether there have been resignations from its community reference group after calling for new member applications.
TCV has had an office in Kerang since early this year. The Loddon Herald understands TCV could be looking to open a  second office located in the Loddon Shire.