LANDOWNERS are bracing for legalised “home invasions” by renewable energy companies.
The State Government plans to grant companies right of access and fine landowners $12,000 if they refuse entry onto their land.
The proposed new laws come as multi-national European Energy is in talks with landowners in the Pyramid Hill and Mincha districts for a turbine farm.
Protest banners have been erected on fences around Pyramid Hill in the past fortnight.
And VicGrid will take on planning for the controversial VNI West transmission line under the new Government legislation.
A VNI Wesy briefing for councils in Wycheproof last Friday from Australian Energy Market Operator’s Transmission Company Victoria was moved online.
“On the advice of Victoria Police, Buloke Shire Council moved the meeting online due to concerns about protest activity—despite TCV representatives travelling to the region as part of our ongoing council engagement,” according to an AEMO spokesperson.
Loddon Shire did not attend.
Mayor Dan Straub said short notice had been given and the briefing clashed with Loddon’s scheduled council briefing and monthly meeting on Friday.
Fernihurst’s Ken Pattison was among Loddon protesters in Wycheproof.
“There’s widespread concern that the Government, AEMO, TCV and now VicGrid will just keep ramming through wind farms, solar farms and transmission lines and are now wanting to give these speculative wind farm companies a ticket to legally invade the homes and properties of Loddon farmers,” Mr Pattison said.