The Nationals have vowed to strongly oppose new legislation proposed by the Allan Labor Government that would allow government officials and transmission companies to enter private farmland without consent and fine landholders who object.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, said the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill would hand sweeping powers to VicGrid and authorised officers, allowing them to forcibly access private property, cut locks, break gates, and issue penalties for resistance.
Under the Bill, landholders who obstruct access to authorised officers could face fines up to $12,210. Refusing to provide identification or proof of ownership may attract penalties over $4,000.
Interfering with notices of entry could incur fines of more than $1,200. Corporations face even higher fines, reaching nearly $49,000.
“The Nationals will oppose Labor’s shocking new legislation that gives government officials and energy companies the power to break onto your private farmland without permission,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is an extraordinary overreach from a government that has lost control of their energy rollout, and once again it is hardworking farmers and regional families who will bear the brunt of their reckless decisions.
“Under this Bill authorised officers can cut locks, break gates, and force their way onto your property all in the name of building transmission lines for Labor’s chaotic renewables plan.”
Ms Cleeland said the government was prioritising energy companies over property rights, biosecurity, and liability concerns if something goes wrong, such as livestock escaping or disease spreading.
“The lack of trust between Labor and regional communities continues to grow,” she said.
“Communities in Colbinabbin, Stanhope, and Girgarre are already feeling the pressure with major projects flagged without genuine consultation.
“People are rightly worried about losing farmland, biosecurity risks, disrupted livelihoods, and long-term damage to farming communities.
“Instead of backing regional Victorians during one of the toughest seasons, this government is threatening them with fines and bulldozing their rights.”
Ms Cleeland pledged that The Nationals would fight this legislation all the way and work to repeal any laws that infringe on landholders’ rights.
“We stand with you and will fight hard to stop this Bill from becoming law.”