Respect regional landholders in the renewables rollout

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Across northern Victoria, farming families are being pushed aside by a government more focused on fast-tracking its energy agenda than listening to the communities who will be most affected.

Under the Allan Labor Government’s proposed energy legislation, transmission companies and government officials will be allowed to access private farmland without the landholder’s consent.

Even more concerning, landholders who stand their ground could be fined up to $12,210 for refusing access, over $4,000 for not providing identification, and $1,221 for simply removing a notice from their own property.

This approach is heavy-handed and deeply disrespectful. It strips regional Victorians of their property rights and sends a clear message: Labor will push ahead, whether locals agree or not.

While many support the need to transition to cleaner energy, it must be done fairly, transparently, and in genuine partnership with the communities expected to host this infrastructure.

The Nationals are fighting for a better approach, that includes:

• Reinstating landholders’ appeal rights through VCAT,

• Introducing a 2km buffer zone between homes and wind turbines,

• Establishing a community benefits fund to ensure lasting local investment, and

• Unlocking low-emissions gas reserves to help bring down power prices for households and businesses.

  
  

Energy reform is important, but respect for the people who grow our food and care for our land must come first.

Tim McCurdy MP