The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has condemned the Allan Labor Government for ramming through legislation that strips farmers and landowners of their rights in order to fast-track transmission projects.
The National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill passed Parliament this week with the support of Labor, the Greens, the Animal Justice Party and the Cannabis Party.
The legislation grants VicGrid and authorised officers the power to use “reasonable force” to enter private land, including cutting locks, breaking gates and removing obstructions, without the landholder’s consent.
Farmers and landholders now face fines of up to $12,210 for resisting entry.
“This is an extraordinary overreach by the Allan Labor Government and a direct attack on property rights,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Farmers in our region feel ignored, dismissed, and disrespected by a government more interested in rushing its ideological agenda than protecting the people who grow our food and fibre.
“This legislation gives energy companies the right to break into private farmland while punishing landholders for standing their ground. That is a complete betrayal of trust.”
Ms Cleeland said the Allan Labor Government has ignored repeated warnings about biosecurity, liability and animal safety if gates are broken or fences compromised, with no real protections in place.
“If gates are forced open or fences are cut, it is farmers who are left to deal with the risks,” Ms Cleeland.
That means stock getting out, the spread of disease, and serious safety issues.
“Labor has offered no protections and no accountability.
“Communities in Colbinabbin, Stanhope, Girgarre and across the state are being treated as collateral damage in Labor’s reckless energy push.”
The Nationals have committed to repealing these laws if returned to government, restoring the rights of farmers and regional communities.