General News
20 April, 2026
Farmers ready blockades for new VNI access date
FARMER Colin Fenton is refusing to be “trampled on by a stupid government” as he prepares for a day of non-access blockades next week against the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project.
FARMER Colin Fenton is refusing to be “trampled on by a stupid government” as he prepares for a day of non-access blockades next week against the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project.
Mr Fenton said on Monday he had received a letter from VicGrid that its environmental assessment team would enter two of his Lake Merran properties next Thursday.
“I’ve already started ringing around for supporters to stand against entry to our properties like we did last year,” he said.
“After 65 years of farming, I am not going to let this stupid government trample over me and my properties.”
Mr Fenton is part of the rearguard protesters against the project and new State Government laws that will see farmers fined if they refuse access to VNI West teams.
He was among more than 90 people at the Victorian Farmers’ Federation branch meeting in St Arnaud last Wednesday where members were told of legal options and processes as the Government tries to push ahead with compulsory access
VicGrid on Monday said it was continuing environmental assessments on properties within the preferred easement for VNI West “informing the design and planning of this critical energy infrastructure”.
“VNI West will play a key role in ensuring Victoria has access to reliable and affordable electricity as coal-fired power stations close, enabling new renewable energy to connect to the grid and strengthening connections between Victoria and New South Wales.”
VicGrid is carrying out ecological surveys to identify native vegetation and wildlife habitats to inform project design and support the Environment Effects Statement.
It says that since 2023, more than 170 landholders across the project area have agreed to survey access, enabling more than 300 private property surveys to be completed.
However, Mr Fenton is among 26 landowners representing about 40 per cent of the route railing against property entry and assessments.
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said notices of proposed entry had been sent to landholders at 26 properties between Stawell and Murrabit “where access for critical ecology surveys had not been agreed”.
“VNI West is a crucial project, and these surveys will help us minimise impacts and protect farms and the environment,” he said.
“Our strong preference is always to reach voluntary agreements with landholders, because that gives them more say over when and how access happens, including timing, access points and biosecurity.”
“We will continue to engage respectfully and seek voluntary agreement, while recognising that all Victorians are relying on us to deliver this project and keep the lights on.”
Mr Parker said VicGrid had made “extensive attempts to reach voluntary agreement with this group of landholders and was providing clear notice in line with legislative requirements, including obligations relating to safety, respectful conduct and biosecurity”.
“The Victorian Government has established a framework for land access. Where access cannot be agreed, VicGrid will work through the steps of that framework respectfully with landholders.
“Landholders receiving notices of proposed entry are also contacted by their landholder liaison, who can explain what the notice means in practical terms and continue discussions about voluntary survey pathways.
“Where access is impeded, authorised officers may issue warnings, directions or infringement notices for refusing, obstructing or unreasonably delaying entry, carrying a maximum of four penalty units - approximately $800.
“Refusing access does not affect whether the project proceeds. The project will be assessed through the EES process; however, without access, there may be gaps in information where assumptions must be made.”
VicGrid said landholders were offered meaningful financial recognition for enabling environmental assessments, including access payments between $10,000 and $50,000 scaled to the area provided for surveys.
“Where VNI West transmission infrastructure is built on private land, landowners are entitled by Victorian law to full compensation for any impacts to the value of their properties or farming operations, in addition to a landholder benefit payment and additional financial recognition introduced by the Victorian Government.”
Mr Fenton said the land access fee offered to him by VicGrid had quadrupled on the original fee.
“But it hasn’t changed my view. There will be no access at the property,” he said.
Read More: Barraport West, Meering West