One of the biggest fears from the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project is the potential impact on potato growers north of Ballarat, where farms have been held by families for generations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Many of the farms supply millions of dollars worth of high-quality potatoes for the McCain Foods factory in Mitchell Park, which processes the potatoes into consumer products, including for major fast food franchises.
Since the project was announced, many growers and their families were concerned the easement requirements would devastate their businesses, as there will be restrictions on types of equipment that could be used underneath the lines.
On Friday, the final route for the project was released by proponent AusNet Services, confirming about 250 landowners will be affected - it stretches from Bulgana, near Ararat, along an existing easement as a 220kv line, looping north of Waubra and through Tourello to the Hepburn Lagoon, where it will either go north or south.
From there, it heads south past Mount Prospect and Newlyn, where it could connect to a large terminal station, according to the current plan being investigated.
A 500kv line would then emerge, travelling north of the freeway past Gordon, Ballan, and Bacchus Marsh to Sydenham in Melbourne's west.
In response to questions from The Courier, a McCain Foods spokesperson said in a statement the company is aware of how many suppliers it expects will be affected.
"McCain Foods estimates it will impact approximately 29 local growers and their businesses - many of whom supply to the region's food processors," they said.
"While this does not pose a risk to the ongoing viability of the McCain Foods Ballarat processing facility, we will always seek to support our growers, with whom we have longstanding relationships.
IN THE NEWS
"We would hope that every effort will be made to avoid disrupting the livelihoods of all growers in our local region."
AusNet is still going through studies for its Environmental Effects Statement, which will require approval from the state government before proceeding, while opposition groups along the entire length of the route are planning legal action.
Information sessions run by both AusNet and Stop AusNet's Towers are planned in communities along the line in the next few weeks.
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
