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Farmer Denies Access for VNI West Survey as New Land Acquisition Law Passes

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Victorian Farmer Denies Access for Major Transmission Project Amid New Land Law

A Victorian sheep farmer has refused entry to surveyors for a major interstate power line project, as new state legislation changes the process for acquiring land for energy infrastructure.

Dispute Over Property Access

Nathan McKnight, a sheep farmer in Murrabit, Victoria, has denied entry to authorized officers from VicGrid, the agency overseeing the Victorian to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project. The proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line would connect the electricity grids of the two states.

  • Officers visited McKnight's property on Tuesday, informing him that obstructing an authorized officer could result in a fine of up to $814.04 or a court-entry order. Some officers wore body-worn cameras during the interaction.
  • McKnight stated he felt "disrespected" and has padlocked his gates. He said there had been "no consultation" from VNI West regarding its plans, only notifications. The proposed route would cut through approximately 250 hectares of his 1,214-hectare farm.
  • VicGrid has issued land access notices to landholders at 26 properties between Stawell and Murrabit where access for ecology surveys has not been agreed upon. The agency stated that refusing access would not affect whether the project proceeds, but that without access, assumptions would be made for planning.

"I think we should be advancing the country, not holding it back." — Craig McIntosh, a farmer allowing access for the transmission line.

Project Context and Landholder Agreements

The VNI West project requires land access for preliminary surveys. VicGrid reports that since 2023, more than 170 landholders in the project area have agreed to survey access, enabling over 300 private property surveys.

  • Landholders are offered access payments ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for surveys.
  • VicGrid states that landowners are entitled to full compensation for the value of their properties or farming operations, in addition to other financial recognition payments. Nathan McKnight stated he has not taken any access payment.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Different viewpoints on the project and the access dispute were presented:

  • Brett Hosking, outgoing president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, described footage of the interaction at McKnight's farm as "shocking" and said the officer's approach was "incredibly intimidating."
  • Craig McIntosh, a farmer in Tragowel who is allowing access for the transmission line through his property, stated his support for national advancement.
  • Alistair Parker, VicGrid's chief executive, said: "We will continue to engage respectfully and seek voluntary agreement, while recognising that all Victorians are relying on us to deliver this project and keep the lights on."

New Legislation on Land Acquisition

Separately, the Victorian Parliament has passed amendments to the Electricity Industry Act. The new legislation allows for the compulsory acquisition of private land for transmission and renewable energy projects before environmental assessments are completed. Previously, compulsory acquisition was typically a final step occurring after an Environmental Effects Statement process.

"The new process undermines established procedures and contributes to community anxiety." — Brett Hosking, Victorian Farmers Federation president.

Reactions to the new law include:

  • Lowan MP Emma Kealy stated the amendments are a concern for landholders, citing a perceived lack of community consultation and noting they apply broadly to all powerlines.
  • Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking expressed disappointment with the legislative change.
  • Andrew Weidemann, chairman of the Across Victoria Alliance, described the legislation as a detriment to rural Victoria, raising concerns about its potential impact on farms and food production.