General News
12 August, 2026
Protesting farmers cop VNI West fines
THE State Government has been accused of “pouring petrol on the fire” after at least 12 landowners on the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line route were whacked with $814 fines.
THE State Government has been accused of “pouring petrol on the fire” after at least 12 landowners on the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line route were whacked with $814 fines.
They are among farmers between Stawell and Kerang who have refused access to VicGrid teams conducting property assessments.
The fines were posted to farmers and the first arrived in mail boxes on Monday.
Dingwall’s Colin Fenton blocked access to his properties - receiving not one but two fines yesterday.
“They’re threatening to even charge and sell my land if I don’t pay by August 28,” he said.
“This Government doesn’t even have the brains to try and keep things quiet before an election.”
“They are pouring more petrol onto the fire.”
Nationals candidates across the region yesterday morning labelled the fines as a “cruel first act from new premier (Ben Carroll)“.
Murray Plains candidate Brett Hosking said the fines had real consequences for the families involved.
“‘I’ve experienced first-hand the impact of poor planning, engagement and respect for farmers along VNI West. To add fines against farmers caring for livestock is a new low point in a very ordinary process.” Mr Hosking said.
Ripon candidate Jo Armstrong said the fines showed Labor’s disregard for the people who grow the state’s food.
“To punish expert growers of food and fibre in this way shows an utter lack of integrity by Labor,” Ms Armstrong said.
“The Nationals respect farmers’ rights to defend their best practice standards, and I will fight to defend Ripon landowners’ land rights.”
Deputy leader Emma Kealy said: “These farmers are not criminals. They are standing up for their farms, their animals and their property rights.
“Fining a farmer for refusing access to a paddock during lambing shows just how out of touch Labor has become with agriculture.
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