Communities such as Longwood have felt this first-hand, with the recent fire leaving residents and emergency services vulnerable as power outages disrupted communications, water pumps and essential services.
Reliable electricity in country towns is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
In a major step towards improving power reliability across the Euroa region, Victoria’s energy minister has formally endorsed a $40.5 million electricity upgrade, known as the BN-11 express feeder line.
The project would run between Benalla and Longwood East and is designed to address persistent outages and damaging voltage drops that have affected homes, farms, businesses and essential services.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has long advocated for the upgrade, highlighting the ongoing impact of unreliable electricity on regional communities.
The minister’s formal submission supporting the project, combined with a commitment to monthly meetings through to April with Ms Cleeland and AusNet, sets a clear path toward regulatory approval.
The Australian Energy Regulator’s decision in April will determine whether construction can begin.
“The BN-11 line is practical, shovel-ready infrastructure that will keep the lights on, keep pumps running and keep local businesses open,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is not a nice-to-have. It is basic infrastructure that regional communities deserve.”
AusNet, which operates the network privately, cannot commence construction without regulator approval.
Once approved, the project is expected to significantly improve electricity reliability, reduce damaging voltage drops and help communities better withstand extreme weather events and emergencies like the Longwood fire.
Ms Cleeland said the state government’s support was a critical milestone but noted that federal backing and AER approval remained essential.
“Our community is sick of planning life around power cuts,” she said.
If completed, the BN-11 express feeder line will deliver stable and reliable electricity for homes, farms, businesses and essential services across Euroa and surrounding districts, ensuring the region is better prepared for future emergencies.
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