Farming with the
Western Renewables Link
What farming activities would be permitted?
Permitted farming activities under the proposed Western Renewables Link transmission line include cropping (to within 5m of towers), grazing, market gardens, orchards and horticultural nurseries (excluding buildings), water storage dams (with sufficient clearances) and operation of irrigation equipment (excluding large gun-type irrigators). While aerial crop spraying is not permitted within an overhead easement, uncrewed aerial vehicles such as drones may be allowed to operate within the easement (including under the transmission line) subject to a safety assessment and permit from AusNet.
We are working with landholders to design tower and access track locations to minimise the impacts on their farming and other activities.
There would also be restrictions on the use of the land if the transmission line was put underground. Permitted activities within an underground 500kV transmission line easement for the Western Renewables Link would include grazing, operation of irrigation equipment (with some restrictions) and aerial crop spraying. Cropping, market gardens, orchards and dams would not be permitted.
Vehicle and equipment height clearances
Height clearances are important to ensure safety under and around transmission lines. There are differences between the existing transmission network and the proposed Western Renewables Link.
Western Renewables Link
The proposed Western Renewables Link 500kV transmission line is being designed with a minimum 15m ground clearance. Vehicles and equipment of up to 5m in height will be able to travel and operate under the transmission line without permission from AusNet. Vehicles and equipment between 5 and 8.6m in height will generally be allowed to travel and operate, subject to an AusNet safety assessment prior to operating. The maximum height of vehicles and equipment cannot exceed 8.6m.
The AusNet safety assessment will determine and advise whether a spotter and/or permit to work will be required for your specific property, vehicles, equipment and operations. Generally, equipment up to 8.6m at its maximum height will not require a spotter. We are working with landholders to discuss transmission line clearance concerns and what can be done to minimise impacts to properties and operations. We encourage landholders with property on the proposed route to discuss their farming operations with their Land Liaison Officer.
Existing AusNet transmission lines
Use of vehicles and equipment such as cranes, excavators, elevated working platforms and the like exceeding 3m in operating height is prohibited under existing transmission lines. A higher operating height limit is subject to sufficient clearances to the conductors and requires the issue of a ‘Permit to Work Adjacent to Exposed High Voltage Electrical Apparatus’. To arrange a safety assessment or permit, contact AusNet Services by email on ptw@ausnetservices.com.au.
Safety assessments
Certain equipment, activities or land uses in an easement require a safety assessment or permit to work. In each case, a written notice of permission to proceed will be issued following an assessment. Safety assessments and permits to work are provided by AusNet free of charge.
1. To arrange a safety assessment or permit, contact AusNet by email at ptw@ausnetservices.com.au.
2. Complete and return the permit to work form.
3. Applications will be reviewed within 5 business days of receipt.
4. We will undertake a desktop analysis and contact you if we require any further information. Typically, it will take 10 business days to complete a safety assessment or permit application.
You can also contact your Land Liaison Officer to discuss any requirements for activities within the easement and they can coordinate a safety assessment request.
Note:
Restrictions and clearances contained in this document relate to the proposed Western Renewables Link 500kV double circuit transmission line. For all other existing electricity transmission lines within Victoria, please refer to ‘A guide to living with transmission line easements’ available on the AusNet website here: wwww.ausnetservices.com.au/en/Safety/Working-Near-Lines
Additional resources
