Landowners in Victoria with properties near new transmission lines and towers could be eligible for payments of up to $40,000 (US$26,400) under a government proposal.
The government agency VicGrid is seeking feedback on the plan, which would specifically benefit “significantly impacted neighbors” of new transmission and renewable energy infrastructure.
According to the draft plan, payments could be provided to neighbors who have experienced a “demonstrated significant loss of visual amenity” within 400 meters of infrastructure in regional areas and 200 meters in urban areas.
The document specifies that the infrastructure must be clearly visible from the point of the dwelling, home occupation, or other sensitive land use sites.
Additionally, the proposal explores the possibility of making “exceptional circumstances” payments above the proposed threshold if towers impact culturally significant sites or lead to a loss of income for hospitality and tourism businesses.
Recent protests by Victorian farmers against towers being built along the route of the upcoming VNI West and Western Renewables link projects have highlighted the importance of addressing community concerns.
The projects aim to enhance energy stability across the east coast by enabling the transfer of power between Victoria and New South Wales.
As part of the project, transmission towers approximately 80 meters high will be installed to carry high-voltage powerlines.
Landowners with transmission equipment on their property will receive $200,000 per square kilometer over a 25-year period.
Victorian Housing Minister Harriet Shing emphasized that the proposed neighbor payments acknowledge the impact on communities and were informed by extensive consultation.
Opposition spokesman Brad Rowswell supported the idea of compensation for affected landowners but raised concerns about the potential negative impact of the transmission lines on productive farming land.
Submissions on the plan are open until June 25, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.
