AusNet says it has responded to feedback in launching the ‘Near Neighbour Benefit Program’ today.
A one-off payment of $20,000 or $40,000 will be made available to neighbours of properties along the 190 kilometre route depending on their proximity to the Western Renewables Link (WRL) transmission line.
AusNet says the Near Neighbour Benefit Program recognises that neighbouring landholders often have similar experiences to those hosting infrastructure directly on their land but have not traditionally received benefits.
“This Near Neighbour package is the 4th of such,” said Gerard Carew, AusNet General Manager Major Projects and the lead for the WRL.
“We have a benefit sharing package for landholders, we’re in consultation with traditional owners about a benefit sharing package for them and we’ve recently announced some broader community benefit sharing initiatives,” he said.
The announcement comes as AusNet prepares to release the long-awaited Environment Effects Statement into the WRL on Monday.
