Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) has announced that it has updated the expected completion date for the VNI West transmission project, with the revised timeline to coincide with the release of a new Land Easement and Access Package.
The Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West – known as VNI West – is a proposed new 500kV double circuit transmission line connecting the high-voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria, and is being jointly developed by Transgrid and TCV.
Once complete, the interconnector will link EnergyConnect in New South Wales and Western Renewables Link in Victoria.
The project’s completion date has now shifted from 2028 to late 2030. TCV Spokesperson, Claire Cass, said the updated date reflects revised planning, design and construction assumptions for one of Victoria’s most significant energy infrastructure projects.
“The new construction completion target allows more time for detailed environmental, geotechnical and cultural assessments, along with more meaningful landholder engagement on access and easement arrangements,” Ms Cass said.
“We know this updated timeline may be frustrating, but we’re committed to working with landholders respectfully and providing the support they need to consider what is best for them, their properties, and farming or business operations.
“While the timeline has shifted, the critical purpose of VNI West remains the same – to deliver the infrastructure needed to keep Victoria’s lights on, and help put downward pressure on electricity prices,” she said.
TCV said the timeline update coincides with the upcoming release of the VNI West Land Easement and Access Package, which will be delivered directly to landholders along the project easement.
From 30 June 2025, Landholder Liaisons begun contacting landholders in the project easement to arrange in-person discussions and to personally deliver the package. TCS said support will be tailored to meet each landholder’s needs – whether that’s help reviewing the package in detail, or advice on accessing independent professional advice.
The Land Easement and Access Package reflects landholder feedback, and months of detailed planning and assessments required to provide accurate, property-specific information about compensation, project benefit payments, and field survey access terms.
“For the first time, landholders will receive detailed information about the project benefit payments they can receive, indicative property-specific impact compensation and field survey access terms,” Ms Cass said.
“This is what landholders have been asking for, and we look forward to unpacking the total benefits available,” she said.
TCV said reviewing the Land Easement and Access Package, meeting with a Landholder Liaison, or agreeing to survey access, does not indicate support for the project.
“It’s important to understand that reviewing the Land Easement and Access Package with professional advisors, or agreeing on property access requirements for field surveys, does not mean landholders support VNI West,” Ms Cass said.
“The approach simply provides landholders with more say on how the project may affect them and their properties, so that compensation accurately reflects the impact,” she said.
Landholders with questions are encouraged to contact their Landholder Liaison or phone the VNI West project team on 1800 824 221.
TCV said it is currently developing a program to recognise neighbours – those living near, but not directly hosting, infrastructure – who are affected by the project. The program will align with VicGrid’s draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefits Plan and ensure these impacts are appropriately acknowledged.
A Social Value Strategy is also being developed to guide broader community benefits, funded directly by the project and separate to the Victorian Government’s community and Traditional Owner benefits programs.
The draft strategy is being co-developed with a reference group of local representatives and shaped through ongoing community and stakeholder input. It is expected to be released publicly for feedback in the coming months.
