Councillors Respond to the Release of the Victorian Transmission Plan
Published on 18 August 2025
Yarriambiack Shire Councillors Respond with Outrage to the Release of the Victorian Transmission Plan – Focusing on the Western Renewable Energy Zone
On 17 August 2025, the Victorian Transmission Plan (VTP) was released, detailing changes to the Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) affecting Yarriambiack Shire. The update consolidates the previously proposed Grampians Wimmera and Wimmera Southern Mallee renewable energy zones into a single Western REZ with two sections. As a result, the area previously identified as the Wimmera Southern Mallee portion of the REZ has seen a significant expansion.
Vic Grid noted in the VTP that the expanded Western REZ area was not covered in the draft 2025 VTP consultation. Feedback on this area will be sought during the REZ declaration process, which offers another chance to adjust the boundaries, and for communities to provide feedback.
Mayor Zanker stated, “Our Councillors are outraged at the REZ expansion which now sees the footprint expanded, and no clear picture regarding the gigawatt capacity”.
Vic Grid’s VTP proposes setting access limits based on the maximum capacity the transmission network can handle in each zone.
Mayor Zanker stated, “As a community, we feel completely blindsided by this change.”
"It is important to emphasise that our Council does not oppose renewable energy, as outlined in our Position Statement. We respect the rights of landholders to engage in negotiations with companies regarding land use, and we encourage our community to recognise and respect the decisions made by these landholders." Mayor Zanker expressed, “we are extremely disappointed with both the consultation process and the major changes included in the revised VTP”.
Mayor Zanker stated that “in meetings with the Minister and Vic Grid, assurances were provided regarding the development of the Draft VTP, which we were advised, followed comprehensive capacity assessments and identification of specific energy requirements. When released, it was noted that the Draft had a smaller footprint and reduced MW capacity compared to current proposals for the Shire.
The Curyo Windfarm (up to 1000 MW), Wilkur Energy Park (up to 776 MW), Campbells Bridge (up to 1000 MW), and Warracknabeal Energy Park (up to 1650 MW) are proposed developments that will affect Yarriambiack Shire. In the Draft VTP, the Grampians Wimmera and Wimmera Southern Mallee Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) each targeted the addition of 320–480 megawatts (MW) of new wind generation. Notably, both the Curyo and Wilkur projects were located outside the boundaries of these proposed REZs.
“Vic Grid and the Government were fully aware of the projects planned across our Shire and their capacity when the draft VTP was released”, stated Mayor Zanker.
Mayor Zanker continued, "Our assessment indicated that the draft VTP was developed with capacity demands in mind. We were confident that the extent of prospecting within our Shire substantially surpassed anticipated needs, acknowledging that certain planned projects might ultimately not proceed."
“As a Council, we have noted the significant anxiety and concern these proposed projects have generated within our community. The resulting uncertainty has been widespread”, continued Mayor Zanker.
“As a Council we have taken the high ground, been respectful, we have reached out and consulted and tried to get the Government to understand the impact that both mining and renewable energy is having on our Shire, our respectful engagement has got us nowhere”, stated Mayor Zanker.
“I feel broken and extremely disheartened, and feel for my fellow Councillors, who have also consoled many residents, believing that our region was oversubscribed with prospectors, which was reflected in the draft VTP”. As Councillors we are angered, outraged and blindsided by this significant change”, stated Mayor Zanker.
“We want to know, how did Vic Grid get it so wrong? Why did they consult, release a map then change it up so significantly. Why do they pretend to care what we think when their actions clearly show the opposite”, stated Mayor Zanker.
“This Government is about taking from our communities and giving nothing in return”.
“Where is the Government’s commitment to funding? Our Local Government Funding is reduced, our buildings and roads are deteriorating, we have no funds to build further connecting infrastructure to support our ageing residents, our housing stock is decimated, and the Government have put nothing on the table to bring our community on a journey”, stated Mayor Zanker.
“We hear everything about this supposed community benefit – well where is it?” stated Mayor Zanker.
“The Government gave us a false sense of security and then threw us a hand grenade. We are the people on the ground, having to pick up the pieces of a broken community”, stated Mayor Zanker.
“We deserve better, our rural communities are the backbone of this State, and this is how we are repaid”, concluded Mayor Zanker.
Yarriambiack Shire Council
