The fight to have three-phase power delivered to Tyrendarra continues following the Australian Energy Regulator knocking back the proposed funding stream.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell said she was bitterly disappointed with the setback following a long-running campaign headed by farmer Bruce Knowles and the United Dairy Farmers of Victoria.
"Powercor had put forward a funding proposal and it looked like it was finally going to go ahead," Ms Britnell said.
"But in its draft decision the AER said: 'We consider that it is not valid to treat gross regional output as an economic benefit for the purpose of cost benefit analysis.
"Our assessment suggests that Powercor's proposed regional supply upgrades are not justified'.
"They have made it clear that they will not approve Powercor's funding proposal which is incredibly disappointing."
Ms Britnell raised the matter in state parliament this week saying it presented an opportunity for the State Government to step in and provide funding.
"Three phase power is vital to ensure efficient energy supply that is critical to dairy farming businesses," she said.
"It would promote business growth and expansion, creating jobs and booting economic output for the entire region.
"Dairy Australia figures show that farmers re-inject $730 million back into the community according - and that's excluding processors.
"Improving energy supply and reliability can grow that even further. The State Government should look at this $8 million project as part of the Victoria's COVID recovery."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
