RE-Alliance urges Victoria not to slow the project
RE-Alliance has warned the Victorian Government not to delay the Western Renewables Link after Premier Ben Carroll announced a new assessment of the project’s costs on 16 September 2026.
The group said another setback would deepen uncertainty for regional communities and add pressure to Victoria’s energy system after years of planning, consultation and study.
Tony Goodfellow, RE-Alliance policy and engagement manager, said the transmission project would connect new energy projects needed to support electricity supply in Victoria.
“Western Renewables Link is a long-established project that’s been studied, consulted on and planned over many years. It will connect new energy projects to keep the lights on in Victoria,” Goodfellow said.
Across western Victoria, communities have already been asked to take part in planning and prepare for the changes and opportunities linked to the line, RE-Alliance said.
Goodfellow argued those communities should not be pushed back into uncertainty because debate over the project had become politically difficult in Melbourne.
Yallourn closure adds urgency
RE-Alliance has also called for better consultation, fair treatment of affected landholders and stronger benefits for host communities.
However, the group said those concerns would not be fixed by another delay. Instead, it wants the project delivered with communities involved in decisions.
“Yallourn is scheduled to close in mid-2028 and even on its current timeline, the Western Renewables Link is not expected to be ready until 2029. Victoria does not have time to keep reopening decisions that have been years in the making,” he said.
RE-Alliance also criticised calls from rival parties to halt the project. It said the Coalition wants to pause and review the Western Renewables Link, while One Nation wants to abolish it.
Goodfellow said Labor should not answer those positions by signalling a slowdown of its own, because stable energy policy matters to regional communities, farmers and businesses.
Nexa modelling points to higher power prices
According to RE-Alliance, recent Nexa Advisory modelling found delays to renewable generation and transmission could lift average wholesale electricity prices by 37% between 2027 and 2031.
As a result, a typical household could pay up to $472 more over five years, the group said.
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