General News
29 August, 2025
Land law fines get through with crossbench backing
FARMERS will be fined if they lock transmission companies out of their land after controversial new laws were passed in State Parliament late Thursday night.
FARMERS will be fined if they lock transmission companies out of their land after controversial new laws were passed in State Parliament late Thursday night.
The Government had backing from Animal Justice Party's member for Northern Victoria Region Georgie Purcell, the Greens including Western Victorian Region MP Sarah Mansfield and Legalise Cannibis Party to push through legislation.
Victorian Farmers' Federation president president Brett Hosking said the legislation risks further eroding trust at a time when cooperation is desperately needed to deliver the energy transition.
“This Bill hands VicGrid coercive powers over landholders, while ignoring the need for genuine engagement, fair compensation and investment in rural communities."
“Farmers aren’t standing in the way of renewables, but we refuse to be trampled over in the process. Right now, the legislation locks in a system where rural Victoria carries the burden, while the benefits are shipped off elsewhere," Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking added amendments to the Bill which halve some of the fines will do little to calm community sentiment.
Full report in your local NCN Herald out next Wednesday
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