Planning & Approvals - Western Renewables Link

This project has been developed over several years with ongoing engagement with landholders, communities, industry and government.

Environment Effects Statement

The Western Renewables Link is subject to an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process, the most rigorous environmental impact assessment process in Victoria.

The EES process is administered by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), formerly the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), on behalf of Victoria’s Minister for Planning under the Environment Effects Act 1978.

The purpose of the EES is to assess the potential environmental effects of the project and investigate feasible alternative project designs, alignments and other aspects within scope to avoid and minimise adverse environmental effects, as per the scoping requirements.

We are currently finalising the Environment Effects Statement (EES) which we will submit to the Department of Transport and Planning, for assessment. This assessment determines whether the EES adequately addresses matters raised in the scoping requirements. Subject to the Minister for Planning’s authorisation, this assessment includes a public exhibition, an inquiry and other advisory committee processes including a public hearing.

We expect the EES to be on public exhibition for 40 days in the second half of 2025 followed by the inquiry and public hearing in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026.

More information can be found on our EES Overview page.

EES Overview

Have your say

We have engaged with communities and landholders throughout the development of the Western Renewables Link, with feedback and input shaping the planning and design of the project.

The project is targeting public exhibition in the second half of 2025. During the exhibition period, all landholders and community members will have the opportunity to review the EES and make a submission to the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Those who submit can also request to be heard at the independent inquiry that follows.

The project team will be available to answer any questions you might have about the project, the approval process or how it might affect you. You can get in touch with us using the enquiry form or by contacting us directly – our details are below.

Get involved

Planning Scheme Amendment

A planning scheme amendment is proposed as the primary planning approval for the Western Renewables Link.

The Draft Planning Scheme Amendment will be displayed with the Environment Effects Statement for public comment.

More information can be found in our Draft planning amendment scheme fact sheet.

Secondary State approvals

Should the project be approved, several other secondary approvals may be required including:

Permit to remove protected flora under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Permit to relocate wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975.
Permit to work within or over waterways under the Water Act 1989.

Decisions about whether to grant those approvals may only be made after the respective decision-makers have considered the Minister’s assessment, which is the final outcome of the EES process.

Cultural Heritage Management Plans will be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 to investigate the potential impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage and identify how heritage can be best protected. This will be done together with Traditional Owners groups, Registered Aboriginal Parties and First Peoples - State Relations.

Commonwealth approval

The Commonwealth Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has confirmed that the project is a ‘controlled action’ and will require assessment and approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. The Commonwealth has determined that it will use the bilateral assessment agreement and rely on the Victorian Government’s assessment process (EES) to inform an approval decision under the EPBC Act 1999.

The Western Renewables Link project has been included on the National Renewable Energy Priority List, a Commonwealth initiative developed in collaboration with states and territories. The List identifies projects that have the potential to significantly boost Australia’s renewable energy supply and aims to provide coordinated support through required regulatory and approval pathways. The Priority List is updated regularly and made public to ensure transparency.