{
  "id": 1871476,
  "title": "Coalition vows to scrap VNI West transmission project in Victoria",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/coalition-vows-to-scrap-vni-west-transmission-project-in-victoria",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T05:25:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-19/victorian-coalition-promises-to-scrap-vni-west-transmission-line/107053638"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Victorian Liberal and National parties have pledged to abandon the contentious VNI West transmission project if they secure victory in the upcoming November state election. The Coalition asserts that the funds previously allocated to VNI West will instead be directed towards enhancing gas reserves, extending coal operations to their terminal stage, and constructing urban solar parks. While farmers have applauded this decision, environmental and government representatives have labeled the commitment as reckless.\n\nThe Liberal and National parties had previously declared their intention to pause and reassess VNI West following significant opposition from agricultural stakeholders. Nationals Deputy Leader Emma Kealy declared that the Coalition's decision to abandon the project sends a clear message about their stance. \"The Nationals and Liberals view VNI West as dead, buried and cremated,\" she stated.\n\nThe proposed transmission line, designed to link Victoria to the New South Wales grid, is projected to incur costs ranging from $7.6 billion to $11.4 billion. It is a component of Labor's strategy to bolster renewable energy generation and ensure stable power supply. Opposition to the project is widespread among residents of Victoria's west, particularly farmers whose land is situated along the planned route. The Coalition has vowed to investigate alternative approaches to maintain both power generation and affordability.\n\nMs. Kealy outlined the Coalition's alternative plans, stating that they will examine unlocking gas reserves and prolonging coal usage until its technical end. Ms. Kealy also emphasized the importance of investing in renewable projects such as solar parks in Melbourne and other urban areas, which would harness energy closer to its destination.\n\nEnergy and Resources Minister Jaclyn Symes criticized the Coalition's pledge to dismantle the project as irresponsible. Ms. Symes warned that this decision would compromise electricity reliability across Victoria, leading to potential blackouts and increased power costs. She questioned whether the Coalition would reinstate fracking, a process currently restricted in Victoria.\n\nThe Victorian Farmers Federation endorsed the Coalition's decision, citing the project's detrimental impact on farming families and the destruction of valuable farmland. However, environmental and renewable energy groups have vehemently opposed the Coalition's stance. The Clean Energy Council's CEO, Jackie Trad, argued that VNI West is essential for energy security and the transition away from aging coal-fired power stations. She warned that scrapping the project would not only diminish electricity supply but also result in higher bills for Victorians. Ms. Toose from Environment Victoria emphasized that the Coalition's plan would leave residents facing higher costs and reduced reliability, all in the name of preserving gas supply.",
  "summary": "The Victorian Liberal and National parties will scrap the controversial VNI West transmission project if the Coalition wins the state election in November.",
  "key_points": [
    "Funds for VNI West to be redirected to gas reserves, coal operations, and urban solar parks.",
    "Environmental groups oppose Coalition's decision, citing necessity for VNI West in energy security."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Coalition's vow to scrap VNI West transmission project signals a shift in energy policy, prioritizing fossil fuels and urban solar over renewable energy and grid stability, sparking divided reactions from stakeholders.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}