Business & Rural
19 November, 2025
Access denied: communities come together at Bungeluke to stop VNI West
“I couldn’t tell you any farming work I’ve concentrated on in the last six weeks. It’s really taking its toll and I can see a massive mental health epidemic coming."
A UNITED front of farmers and friends in Bungeluke on Monday saw communities come together with one goal.
To stop the VNI West transmission line.
Following compulsory access letters posted on fences, Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) workers have been and will be met with peaceful resistance at multiple properties along the planned line.
Residents from St Arnaud, Charlton, Wycheproof and beyond came together to support Bungeluke property owner Greg Roberts, who had inspectors attempting to access his land.
“We had a lady travel more than 150km to be there, we were very humbled by everyone who came to support us,” he said.
Mr Roberts said he had received a message 48 hours before the visit and a text 10 minutes before the VicGrid workers were due to arrive.
But the group was ready.
“We had done our research and one of the guys had contacted the Donald police, who also came to make sure everyone was in line and to protect us,” he said. “We were told as long as we were all on my private property and not out on the road disrupting traffic, we were within our right to be there. The law stands at the moment.
“The two workers came and the liason officer asked to speak to the land owner.
“I came to the front of the pack and read out my pre-written statement that said ‘I will not give access to this land today’. And that was the end of that. It was short, sweet and uncomplicated.”
Mr Roberts said the group made their message quite clear to the VicGrid workers. “There were a few questions and suggestions presented to the workers, everyone was pretty firm and stern in what they thought,” he said. “But it was all very peaceful and there wasn’t a single suggestion of violence.”
Mr Roberts said while this was the first meeting with the company, the whole project was taking its toll on everyone.
“I couldn’t tell you any farming work I’ve concentrated on in the last six weeks,” he said.
“It’s really taking its toll and I can see a massive mental health epidemic coming.
“[My wife] Robyn said she’s felt nauseous ever since and someone made a comment that this experience has aged her.
“There’s a big tsunami coming.”
Mr Roberts said property owners along the VNI West planned line who would get visits across the next week, but he and others would be there.
“We’re all here to support each other both day and night,” he said.
“I think we’ve made it pretty clear about the widespread disagreement and all of our concerns.
“Monday was just round one.”
Mr Roberts said he had been informed of another meeting with TCV on December 8.
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