Transgrid is taking the VNI West project directly to local communities across regional NSW, hosting a comprehensive series of information sessions throughout August to help residents understand the project.

These sessions will help community members understand the environmental impact statement and make informed submissions about the major infrastructure development currently under consideration.

The community consultation sessions are being held across nine carefully selected regional locations, including Barham, Coleambally, Conargo, Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Mallan, Moulamein, Wagga Wagga and Wanganella across the month.

These drop-in style sessions are specifically designed to provide face-to-face opportunities for landowners and local residents to learn more about the project details.

Attendees will also receive professional assistance with the submission process to ensure their voices are heard in the planning approval process.

Project Director Colin Mayer highlighted the significant value of these community sessions in ensuring comprehensive consultation with affected communities throughout the project corridor.

“We encourage landowners and local residents to attend a community information session to learn more, ask questions and receive help to make an informed submission in response to the environmental impact statement,” he said during the announcement.

The information sessions begin on Saturday August 9 at Moulamein Football and Netball Club ovals. They and continue through to Monday August 25 at the Transgrid Discovery Hub facility.

The sessions are strategically scheduled across weekdays and weekends to accommodate different community schedules. Some locations are hosting multiple sessions to maximise community access opportunities.

The sessions are designed as informal drop-in events, allowing community members to attend at their convenience within the specified timeframes without needing to make appointments.

Most sessions run for several hours, providing flexibility for working families and rural residents who may need to travel significant distances to attend these important consultations.

For information about these session locations and times, visit https://www.transgrid.com.au/ or https://www.transgrid.com.au/projects-innovation/vni-west

These community sessions support the formal Environmental Impact Statement exhibition process, which runs until August 29, ensuring comprehensive community consultation throughout the approval process.

The combination of detailed technical documentation and accessible community consultation ensures that all stakeholders have multiple opportunities to understand and respond to this infrastructure project.