As reported in our last Stop AusNet’s Towers newsletter in December, AusNet continue their deplorable engagement with the community and landholders. In the last week of December many landholders received correspondence from AusNet seeking to engage landholders to “sign-up” for what appears to be a range of obligations with ambiguous intentions.

The Moorabool Central Highlands Power Alliance (the Alliance) raised a complaint to the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC), Andrew Dyer, regarding the content and purpose of this correspondence from AusNet.

In turn Andrew Dyer, AEIC has written to AusNet and identified a significant number of issues with AusNet’s correspondence, including:

• The letter is confusing, poorly constructed, is unclear in its objectives, does not clearly or consistently state what is required of the landholder at this time, in the future, or forward timeframes or deadlines.
• There appears to be a material set of issues with the correspondence and documents issued to landholders. Further, the timing of issuing the correspondence, just prior to the festive season, was not well received by many.

We understand that AusNet have yet to respond to the AEIC’s December 28th correspondence, nor have they acted on his advice to update the community as requested. AusNet’s actions here represent a low point in their corporate social responsibility.

This is a voluntary agreement that AusNet is proposing. You have no obligation to sign – it is designed to exclusively suit the needs of AusNet. Given the ambiguity and mixed messaging, those who have received this correspondence are encouraged to “hold the line”, and not allow this intimidation to continue.

As we reported previously, specific concerns with the correspondence:

• The varied and mixed messaging within the communication makes it’s intent unclear.
• The proposed agreement may be the first step in a long-term easement option which may be detrimental to future discussions.
• The proposed land access agreement does not provide suitable protection for landholders and falls far short of the Principles for land access already developed by the Essential Services Commission in its Statement of Expectations which took effect on 1 June 2022..
• The agreement provides no independent compliant process.
• AusNet’s claim they have been working with landholders to mitigate impacts is misleading.
• AusNet’s offer of compensation for access is a demonstration of their desperation.

This correspondence is a continuation of AusNet’s apparent incompetence or recklessness and their continued efforts to ignore the significant impacts and risks associated with this project.

The significant and real risks to landowners, communities and the environment we will inherit if this project is allowed to progress as proposed are not acceptable to the Alliance including you, our members.

HOLD THE LINE and stay UNITED.

Continue to support your neighbours, your family, farm, home, business and your environment.

Continue to support the work of the Alliance:

• Make sure you, your family and friends are all members
• Donate to the Alliance legal action to force the project back to the drawing board