General News
1 September, 2024
Country voice booms at rally
THE State Government’s plans for more renewable energy projects across northern Victoria was dividing communities who would not see any benefits. That was the view of Colin and Mary Fenton standing among more than 450 people holding protest...
THE State Government’s plans for more renewable energy projects across northern Victoria was dividing communities who would not see any benefits.
That was the view of Colin and Mary Fenton standing among more than 450 people holding protest banners that greeted Premier Jacinta Allan as she arrived at a Rural Press Club of Victoria luncheon in Bendigo.
The Lake Marmal couple joined dozens of Loddon Shire residents continuing their protest against the VNI project.
Mr Fenton said: “Who are the beneficiaries? Not regional Victoria.”
Rally organiser Ben Duxson said rural families were united in their fight against State Government projects that would impact agriculture.
He said Victoria was financially broke but the Government was continuing to bulldoze through the projects.
“We are ground zero,” he said.
Mr Duxson said that strong rural communities working together “can’t be beaten”.
Rally speakers accused the Government of not listening to their concerns.
The claim was rejected by Ms Allan at the luncheon, saying rural communities and farmers were most exposed to the challenges of climate change. “We already have in the state 6500km of transmissions lines that already criss-cross the state. Building a couple more to be able to deliver that cheaper more more secure renewable energy is about providing better security for rural and regional communities.”