Victoria election fight heats up over proposed $7.6 billion powerline

Victoria's energy future and the controversial VNI West powerline project have become central issues ahead of the November election, with the Labor government and the Coalition presenting starkly different visions. The proposed $7.6 billion high-voltage transmission line is designed to connect Victoria with New South Wales and integrate more renewable energy sources as the state prepares for the closure of the Yallourn coal-fired power plant in 2028.

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Only Labor will build the critical renewable energy infrastructure, including VNI West, needed to deliver cheap power and keep the lights on as our aging coal-fired generators retire.

The Coalition has pledged to scrap the VNI West project, citing economic pragmatism and concerns about the project's delays and potential impact on electricity reliability. Shadow Energy Minister David Davis stated the project has "lost its social licence" and that the Coalition favors greater use of gas for energy needs. He expressed concern that "the lights will go out under the current arrangements."

Conversely, the Labor government, through Energy Minister Jaclyn Symes, argues that VNI West is critical for delivering affordable power and maintaining reliability as aging coal generators retire. The government has already contracted Spanish firm Iberdrola to build the 240-kilometer line. The renewable energy sector has voiced disappointment with the Coalition's stance, warning it jeopardizes new regional projects and associated jobs.

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Jess Wilson's One Nation-Coalition's reckless decision will destroy electricity reliability across Victoria, guaranteeing blackouts and pushing up power bills.

The VNI West project is already two years behind schedule and is not expected to be completed until 2030, two years after the Yallourn plant's planned closure. The project faces opposition from farming communities and pressure from the One Nation party, which has influenced the Coalition's position. Scrapping the project could also expose Victorian taxpayers to liability payments to Iberdrola.

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We are very concerned the lights will go out under the current arrangements.