CROSSBENCHERS have sided with the State Government to give powers to transmission company to enter private land.
The laws were passed in the Legislative Council late Thursday day.
Amendments saw the size of possible fines reduced but farmers, including those on the VNI West renewable energy transmission line, still risk fines of at least $8000 if they lock companies out.
Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said the legislation risked further eroding trust at a time when co-operation is desperately needed to deliver the energy transition and failed rural communities. “This Bill hands VicGrid coercive powers over landholders, while ignoring the need for genuine engagement, fair compensation and investment in rural communities.” 
“Farmers aren’t standing in the way of renewables, but we refuse to be trampled over in the process.”