General News
24 June, 2026
Energy fury disrupts group talks
FARMER fury with VicGrid’s consultation processes has boiled over.
FARMER fury with VicGrid’s consultation processes has boiled over.
A community reference group meeting in Charlton last week was disrupted when farmers demanded answers on the controversial renewable energy transmission line project.
Reference group member Colin Fenton said frustration was building with the calls for answers “hitting a brick wall”. He said the group had been demanding a meeting with Energy Minister Lily d’Ambrosio. “Vic Grid is either not passing the message on or is hedging.”
Mr Fenton said: “There are some questions we have been waiting 13 months or more to get answered.”
Farmers want to know what contracts have been signed with project partner Iberdrola Australia.
The Charlton debacle came as VicGrid has been holding information sessions in Boort, Kerang and other towns along the VNI West route.
CEO Alistair Parker said: “We’ re committed to making sure regional communities are well engaged and see real benefits from the development of the new renewable energy sources that will power our homes and businesses as coal closes down.”
VicGrid last week released community engagement and social value guidelines for renewable energy project, - minimum expectations for how project developers must engage with landholders, neighbours, community and Traditional Owners, and create social value and economic benefits.
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