THE controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project has now left rumbles in the tummies of residents scrutinising plans.
After months of headaches for landowners fearing 80-metre high towers and powerlines strung across their irrigation land, food has been the latest grumble on the agenda for Transmission Company Victoria.
Minutes of the first community reference group meeting were released last week and an action priority: Better food at meetings, and dessert as well, if you don’t mind.
The group, now with  20 members, was a smaller cohort when it first gathered at Charlton Park.
After discussing how the group would be feeding on-the-ground questions and information back to Transmission Company Victoria and concerns for landholder insurance liability, the quality of food on the table at the 6pm meeting was raised.
The minutes noted: “Improve catering at next CRG meeting, including dessert.”
Details of the menu have been scarcer than gruel in the bowl handed to Charles Dickens’ character Oliver Twist although one group member, when questioned, has told the Loddon Herald that the request was made somewhat in jest.
However, Transmission Company Victoria took the need to provide ample sustenance seriously.
A spokesperson said: “We have taken on board the request from the community reference group members to improve catering and responded at the second meeting by providing a better range of refreshments, more suitable to the time of the meeting, and the needs of community reference group members. 
“Where possible, we source catering locally.”
Meanwhile, community drop-in information sessions have been held by TCV in Kerang, Charlton and Stawell last week.
It is unknown whether refreshments extended beyond a cup of tea and sweet biscuits. 
Or whether there were Twist calls of “please sir, can I have some more.”
- CHRIS EARL