Business & Rural
11 March, 2026
Hold the line: farmers vow to cop fines over losing land to VNI West
They say the threatened fines of $800 are “just a drop in the ocean compared to what will be taken away with that land”.
By ALEX GRETGRIX and CHRIS EARL
FARMERS across the district have vowed to “cop” fines if VicGrid workers invoke a new law rushed through Parliament last week by the State Government.
They say the threatened fines of $800 are “just a drop in the ocean compared to what will be taken away with that land”.
The new laws, passed in Parliament last week, will allow the Government to compulsorily acquire land along the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project from Stawell to Kerang.
Charlton farmer Glenden Watts said the Government’s latest law changes came as no surprise.
“This is something they had on the table back on day one,” he said.
“But we’re obviously causing them some grief if this is what they’ve resorted to and we’ll keep holding the line.
“Look a fine like that is nothing compared to what we lose if they take our land.
“Myself and the seven generations of family farmers before them haven’t fought for nothing.”
Some property owners have already blocked land entry by VicGrid officials. They have erected No Access signs on farms.
Parliament only knew the laws were planned on Wednesday and by Thursday a Bill was making its way through the Legislative Council.
VFF president Brett Hosking said: “The Victorian Farmers’ Federation is gutted that Parliament has backed laws allowing farmers’ land to be taken for transmission lines before the environmental assessment is even finished.
“This will pour fuel on the anxiety and uncertainty already gripping communities at the heart of the energy transition.”
“Families now face the shadow of compulsory acquisition hanging over them while they are still trying to understand what a project means for their homes and livelihoods, as well as provide comprehensive information to the EES process.”
“It tells us that those in charge don’t genuinely understand the sentiment on the ground. It sends a clear and devastating message to regional Victoria that getting towers in the ground matters more than delivering a robust Environmental Effects Statement and treating people with dignity,” he said
VFF St Arnaud branch president Colin Coates said: “The new legislation was passed last week by both houses of Parliament with the support of the Greens giving the ultimate power to any government of the day, the right to purchase your land or property for any purpose as they see fit.
“The situation farmers and landowners find themselves is very daunting and challenging which can effect one’s health as it has become very confrontational with the next visit of VicGrid staff and the Officers of Victoria Resources. The officers will be requesting entry to the easement areas with the power to issue fines if the request is denied.”
Buloke Shire Mayor Graeme Milne said: “These changes appear to have been introduced with little public debate, consultation or explanation for the communities who may be most affected.
“Our local communities in Buloke Shire deserve better.
“Landholders and rural communities should be respected, informed and genuinely engaged in decisions that affect their land and livelihoods.
“We will continue to strongly advocate for our communities, in partnership with other local councils impacted by this decision, by writing to the Victorian Government seeking urgent clarification on what these changes mean for our region and calling for a stronger commitment to work with rural councils and communities as energy projects progress.”
But Mr Watts was critical of Buloke’s reaction. “Council is supposed to be there to stand up for their ratepayers and they can’t even do that.
“They need to take a stand like all the farmers are going to do.
“We’ll keep holding the line.”
Read More: Charlton