General News
15 October, 2023
Compo claims could be 'tens of millions' for VNI West
TRANSMISSION Company Victoria faces multi-million dollar compensation claims to send VNI West transmission lines through prime irrigation farms. The controversial project’s draft corridor route released late Friday afternoon could rip through...
TRANSMISSION Company Victoria faces multi-million dollar compensation claims to send VNI West transmission lines through prime irrigation farms.
The controversial project’s draft corridor route released late Friday afternoon could rip through properties between Barraport and Lake Meran.
TCV staff were on properties across the district on Monday, several farmers already speaking with solicitors about impacts of the project on their businesses.
Farmers are reluctant to speak openly about the challenges they face until more information is provided by TCV about the project that will construct 80-metre high towers through the northern Loddon.
But one said: “The corridor is ridiculous and doesn’t make sense. Coming through prime irrigation land where there has been significant investment ... we won’t be giving up without a fight.
He said early community consultation had been a joke. “They make out they have had these meetings but nothing alters.”
“We would be demanding millions of dollars ... tens of millions of dollars for compensation of disruption to agricultural production on our land for not only the current, but future generations, the kids who today are playing with toy tractors in the backyard gravel.
“The corridor is just not rational when they could do a few kilometres the other side and let everyone in the area get on with running what are a very productive farms.”
Another told the Loddon Herald: “What is being proposed is beyond a joke.”
Option 5A land of interest released in May identified more than 350 landholders.
The Loddon Herald has been told that the draft corridor does not include all owners contacted by TCV since May.
The Australian Energy Market Operator’s company has been criticised for the corridor release timing, just four days before the first community engagement session in Charlton on Tuesday. Boort’s meeting is tonight.
See this Thursday's Loddon Herald for report and photographs from the Boort information session.