Buloke Shire Council has strongly refuted recent media claims about a supposed $100 million deal with VicGrid regarding the VNI West transmission project. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Council insisted that no such agreement exists.
The Council was initially part of a five shire alliance including Yarriambiack, Northern Grampians, Hindmarsh, and West Wimmera. However, Northern Grampians Shire Council has since withdrawn from the alliance, citing differing positions on the VNI West project and the need to prioritise their farming community’s interests.
The remaining alliance members are pushing for three key priorities: fair compensation for affected farmers, access to wholesale electricity prices for communities hosting new infrastructure, and investment in regional housing projects.
The Council said Mayor Alan Getley’s recent comments were taken out of context by media outlets and that it maintains its commitment to protecting local interests and ensuring community consultation in any future developments.