The Allan Labor Government has passed its contentious VicGrid energy transmission legislation, drawing sharp criticism from regional communities, landholders, and community groups who say their voices have been ignored.
The Nationals’ Member for Shepparton District, Kim O’Keeffe, condemned the government’s latest reform, calling it a “blatant power grab”.
The legislation allows government authorities to issue “special orders” without consultation, granting them the legal right to enter properties without consent and impose heavy fines on landholders who refuse access.
“This isn’t helping regional Victorians, it’s taking away their rights.
“Labor has effectively gagged regional Victorians by stripping communities of their right to be heard and shutting them out of the decision-making process.
“Prime agricultural farmland through Shepparton East and Dookie have now been included into the Renewable Energy Zone. This region is home to the most productive, high-yielding cropping country in Victoria, and protecting that land must remain a top priority
“Landowners no longer have the ability to appeal through VCAT, and VicGrid has been placed beyond scrutiny by being exempted from Freedom of Information laws”, Ms O’Keeffe said.
Community groups from across rural and regional Victoria have echoed these concerns, accusing the government of rushing the Bill through the Parliament without proper consultation or safeguards.
This piece of legislation could have significant impacts on regional communities, including reduced transparency in project approvals and diminished accountability of VicGrid to the public.
“The Nationals support renewable energy and the infrastructure needed to deliver it, however, but not when it comes to such projects that come at the expense of rural and regional communities.
“If elected in November next year, the Nationals have committed that we will repeal this piece of legislation and restore landholder rights, including reinstating access to VCAT to challenge inappropriate renewable energy and transmission developments.
“Farmers and regional communities deserve to have their voices heard in projects that directly affect their land, livelihoods and the local environment.
“By overturning these restrictions, the Nationals intend to ensure that decision-making is more transparent, balanced, and respectful of property rights.
“The Nationals have also committed to working closely with landholders to develop renewable energy and transmission policies that protect prime agricultural land, minimise community disruption, and deliver benefits to regional communities rather than imposing burdens.
“Labor can’t be trusted, they can’t manage money, can’t manage the state’s energy transition and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
