Interconnector plans under way

FIRST steps have begun to pave the way for the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector (VNI) West project that will connect the Victorian and NSW electricity grids.

The stategovernment has enabled the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to start early worksonVNI, whichhas the potential to boost Victoria’s import and export capacities with NSW by more than 1800 megawatts (MW).

The government maintainsthat transmission projects like VNI West are akey to delivering cheaper and more reliable renewable and storage capacity as Victoria moves away from the Latrobe Valley'sbrown coal stations. They also aim to ensure reliable energy supply during high demand periods, such as very hot days.

An Order has been issued under the National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005 (NEVA) that enables AEMO to immediately carry out preparatory and planning works.

This will speed up key development activities including stakeholder and community engagement, land use planning, detailed engineeringdesign, and cost estimation.

Processes such as the Environment Effects Statement (EES) willbeable to start later in 2023, ayear earlier than anticipated.

AEMO will also consider alternative options for VNI West, including the connectionpoint between the states, responding to feedbackprovided by local communities, TraditionalOwnersand regional stakeholders.

This additional analysisand consultation will enable AEMO to assess and selectaproject option that can best meet local needs.

The VNI West Project is part of the government’s energy policy, which has arenewable energy targetsof65per cent by 2030, and 95 per cent by 2035, which aims to drive down power prices.

The Minister forEnergy and Resources,Lily D’Ambrosio, said as ageing coal-fired generators retired and became increasinglyunreliable, bringing forward VNI West meant the state could connect renewable energy sooner, putting downward pressure on energy prices

For more information, visit energy.vic.gov.au/ renewable-energytransmission-and-grid-upgrades

Woodchopping potentially faces the axe

THE centuries-old sport of woodchopping is at risk as the state government continues to fail Victoria’s native timberindustry, according to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath.

Log supply for the Victorian Axemen’s Council (VAC) upcoming woodchoppingeventsare in jeopardy.

Without hardwoodlogs, Victorian athleteswill be unable to compete at this 140-year-old traditional sport.

Acourt order limiting timber harvesting in areas managed by VicForests, means the council does not have enough logs to supply Victoria’s woodchopping events.

Speaking in State Parliament, Ms Bath called on the state government to act and guarantee the future of the sport.

“Woodchopping has along and proud history in Gippsland and right across Victoria, which continues to grow year on year," Ms Bath said.

“The sport of wood chopping is ahighly competitive activity; over 100 events are run each year across the state, drawingskilled competitors from all over Australia.

“You only have to lookatthe large crowds that woodchopping events attracted at last year’s highly successful Heyfield Timber Festival to see firsthand how popular the sport is.

“Competitive athletes are highly trained, and its devastating that theirsport is beingdiminished through green lawfare.”

Ms Bath said she had made acommitment to the president of the VAC, Brad Meyer, to fight for the sport.

“It would be acryingshame to lose this tradition from our regionalshows and events in Victoria,” Ms Bath said.

“Woodchopping is amajor drawcard, and it attracts internationalcompetitors.The AndrewsLabor Government’s cannot continuetosit on itshands and turn ablind eye, it must instigate asolution.” Chopping block: Have we seen the lastofwoodchopping competitions?