Council presents its submission against WRL project

Published on 18 December 2025

On Wednesday 10 December, Council concluded its submission to the Western Renewables Link Project (WRL) hearing process by presenting its remaining experts on tourism, agriculture and landscape/visual impact.

Council’s legal representative provided a compelling case to the panel arguing that the Hepburn Shire is unique and that its significance to the region and greater Victoria should not be overlooked.

Council is opposing the AusNet Transmission Group’s project in its current form and instead calls for a full underground solution that would significantly lessen the impacts of the current proposal.

Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that Council will continue to stand with the community and oppose this destructive project.

“Since 2021, Council has worked with the community to oppose the Western Renewables Link Project that would see 80-metre-high transmission lines run through the Shire,” said Cr Clark.

“Hepburn Shire is made up of agriculturally significant areas, high value landscapes, heritage significance, biodiversity, and a thriving tourism economy and the WRL project will only devastate these unique qualities,” he said.

Council and the Hepburn Shire community will continue to be involved in the process, concluding in March/April next year when a recommendation from the panel will be given to the Minister for Planning. It is anticipated that a decision will be handed down mid-late 2026.

“We would like to commend our community for remaining passionately involved in the process. Thank you for showing up in person, online and participating in the process,” said Cr Clark.