General News
4 March, 2026
VicGrid seeks access
VicGrid is seeking access to almost 30 properties to conduct environmental surveys for the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West project.
VicGrid issued access notifications under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic) to 27 landholders and occupiers, where voluntary access for critical ecology surveys has not been agreed.
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker stated that this step follows extensive efforts to reach voluntary agreements.
“Our strong preference is always to reach voluntary agreements with landholders, because that gives them more say over when and how access happens - including timing, access points and biosecurity,” he said.
“Where access hasn’t been possible despite repeated efforts, we now need to move to the next step available under the legislation so we can complete the environmental surveys required to design this project responsibly and deliver the power Victorians need.
“We understand this can be confronting and difficult for some landholders. Voluntary access remains available at any time.
“Landholders can still work with us on timing, access points and biosecurity, which is always the best way to minimise disruption.”
Access is sought under Section 93BD of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic), which introduces additional procedural steps and safeguards, including a requirement to provide landholders with at least 30 business days’ notice before any proposed entry and the use of Authorised Officers.
Mr Parker said ecological surveys are required to identify native vegetation and wildlife habitats, and to inform the project’s Environment Effects Statement.
VicGrid has continued to prioritise agreement-based access wherever possible, providing landholders with an access payment of $10,000 to $50,000, scaled to the area provided for surveys.
Property access is supported by Authorised Officers, who are employed by Resources Victoria, not VicGrid, and must carry official identification, follow a strict code of conduct, and cannot enter homes or residential buildings.
Authorised Officers may issue infringement notices up to a maximum of four penalty units per offence (about $800), at their discretion, where access is hindered, obstructed or delayed.
If entry is obstructed during an attempted access, the Authorised Officer may apply to the Magistrate’s Court for an Entry Order.