04 May 2026
Statement on BN11 feeder line decision
I am deeply disappointed by the Australian Energy Regulator’s decision not to support the duplication of the BN11 feeder line.
The BN11 feeder line runs from Benalla to Longwood East and is one of the longest single feeder lines in the state, spanning communities including Violet Town, Euroa and the broader Strathbogie region.
For the people who live and work along this line, this is not just an infrastructure decision. It goes directly to the safety, wellbeing and liveability of our region. The current status quo is simply not acceptable.
We have seen firsthand the impact of unreliable power over many years. Extended outages put families at risk during extreme weather, disrupt farms and small businesses, and place enormous strain on people who rely on consistent electricity for their health and livelihoods.
I have spoken with AusNet, who share this disappointment. They understand, as I do, that our region cannot continue to operate under a system that fails so frequently.
Over the past three years, improving power reliability has been one of my key advocacy priorities, and this decision will not change that.
I will be meeting with AusNet to work through alternative solutions, including potential state government intervention and other energy options that can deliver the reliability our community deserves.
Everything is on the table.
Our region should not be left behind when it comes to essential infrastructure. I will continue to fight to ensure our communities have access to safe, reliable power.