The Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the proposed Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West transmission project (VNI West) is set to be released for public exhibition, giving landholders, communities and anyone with an interest in the project the opportunity to review the findings and make a formal submission.
Both the EES and the draft Planning Scheme Amendment for the project will be on public exhibition for six weeks from Monday 5 October to 11:59 pm on Monday 16 November 2026.
During the exhibition period, anyone can make a formal written submission on the EES and draft Planning Scheme Amendment through the Engage Victoria website. Submissions will form part of the formal assessment process for the project.
The EES is Victoria's most comprehensive environmental impact assessment process. It examines the project's potential environmental and social effects, identifies measures to avoid or minimise impacts, and provides information to support the Victorian Minister for Planning’s assessment under the Environment Effects Act 1978.
Technical specialists have spent the past two years conducting studies across the VNI West project area to understand existing conditions, assess potential impacts and identify measures to avoid, minimise or manage them through the EES. This includes everything from agriculture, plants, animals and water to bushfire risk, noise, traffic, cultural heritage and impacts on local communities.
The draft Planning Scheme Amendment proposes changes to local planning schemes to allow the project to proceed and set the development’s planning conditions.
The complete EES, supporting technical reports and draft Planning Scheme Amendment will be available online on Monday 5 October on the VNI West website. Printed copies are also available to view at the VNI West regional project offices in Kerang and Stawell.
During the exhibition period, the VNI West project team will host community information sessions and online webinars where people can learn more about the EES, ask questions and speak with technical specialists.
VNI West Program Director Mick Douge said the exhibition period was an important opportunity for people to learn more about the project, review the EES findings and participate in the public exhibition process.
'We encourage anyone with an interest in the project to explore the Environment Effects Statement in a way that best works for them,' Mr Douge said.
'From 5 October, people will be able to access information online or at one of our regional offices, join a webinar, use our visualisation tools and videos, or speak directly with the project team and technical specialists at one of our community sessions.'
Panels Victoria will administer the formal submission process.
Details about community information sessions, online webinars, project office opening hours and other engagement opportunities will be available on the VNI West website from 5 October, as will technical study summaries, interactive maps, explanatory videos and guidance on making a submission.
Page last updated: 02/10/26