13 September 2024, the Court of Appeal took only a few moment to hand down its decision, dismissing both of our grounds of appeal. A deeply disappointing outcome.  This decision unfortunately affirms that the Victorian Energy Minister (Lily D’Ambrosio) can decree transmission lines and terminal stations anywhere in Victoria at her discretion, with no transparency, proper scrutiny or accountability, and in lockstep with AEMO. 

The full judgement was handed over, rather than read, and we’ll review it in coming days. A link to the judgment is here .

Whilst the decision brings to an end this particular part of the fight against the WRL and VNI West projects, it does not end the broader continuing fight by any of us against either, or both, projects. And makes these fundamental actions even more important – Hold the Line, Don’t Sign, and Lock the Gate.

The Steering Committee of the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance Inc., trading as the Regional Victoria Power Alliance, want to thank everyone along both project lines, and beyond, for the financial and other support for this legal effort. We have left no stone unturned, and we have drawn out the Victorian Government as the ultimate owner of this mess, for which there will be an eventual reckoning.