By Deanne Jeffers
THE Victorian Liberal and National Coalition have announced it will oppose Labor’s controversial new Bill that would grant public officials the power to forcibly enter private property to build electricity transmission infrastructure.
Set to be debated in parliament, the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 would give authorised officers sweeping powers to enter land — including the right to cut locks and break gates — if deemed necessary for transmission tower construction.
Individuals who resist could face fines of up to $12,210, while body corporates could be hit with penalties of up to $48,842. Offences under the legislation include obstructing officers, damaging notices of entry, and failing to provide identification.
Member for Nothern Victoria, Wendy Lovell, slammed the legislation as, “an extraordinary over-step by government,” and accused the Allan Labor Government of trampling on democratic processes in its push to roll out energy projects.
“Removing land-owners’ rights to appeal against these projects at VCAT shows complete disregard for rural Victorians and reflects an increasingly authoritarian stance from a Labor government now in its 11th year,” said Ms Lovell.
Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, whose electorate has been identified for major electrification projects, said the new legislation was an “extraordinary overreach.”
“Communities in Colbinabbin, Stanhope, and Girgarre are already feeling the pressure with major projects flagged without genuine consultation,” said Ms Cleeland. “People are rightly worried about losing farmland, biosecurity risks, disrupted livelihoods, and long-term damage to farming communities.
“Instead of backing regional Victorians during one of the toughest seasons, this government is threatening them with fines and bulldozing their rights.”
The Coalition has pledged to repeal the legislation and reinstate rights to appeal, along with a two-kilometre buffer between homes and wind turbines, if elected in 2026.
