Labor’s land grab is not consultation, it’s coercion
Dear Editor,
Labor’s desperate push to roll out renewable energy projects across 70 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural land has crossed a dangerous line.
The Allan Labor Government has introduced new laws that would allow government officials and transmission companies to enter private farmland without landholder consent, and punish those who resist.
Under the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill, farmers could be fined up to $12,210 for refusing access, over $4,000 for not providing ID, and $1,221 for simply removing a notice from their own property.
This is not consultation. It is coercion.
Communities like Colbinabbin, Stanhope and Girgarre are already facing the threat of massive energy infrastructure being imposed on them with little say. Now they’re being told they can’t even object, or they’ll be fined.
This is an outrageous overreach and a serious attack on private property rights at a time when regional Victorians are already under pressure from drought, rising costs and growing economic uncertainty.
Energy infrastructure is important, but it cannot come at the cost of fairness, respect, and trust. Landholders deserve to be at the table, not trampled over.
The Nationals will fight to restore the voice of regional Victorians on renewables. That means:
- Reinstating the “third umpire” so landholders can appeal decisions to VCAT.
- Introducing a 2km buffer between homes and wind turbines.
- Creating a community benefits fund to ensure legacy investment in regions that host major projects.
- And unlocking low-emissions gas reserves to bring down power prices for households and businesses.
We believe in a future powered by both clean energy and genuine community engagement. Because regional Victorians deserve better than this.
Sincerely,
Annabelle CleelandMember for Euroa
