Agriculture
16 March, 2026
T errible: Farmer’s fears after rushed land grab laws pass
BEEFED up State Government laws could see officials “virtually walking onto anyone’s land”.
Lake Meran farmer Colin Fenton the Government had failed to see the absurdity of laws rushed through Parliament last week granting compulsory acquisition powers for the controversial VNI West renewable energy project.
He is one of an estimated 27 landowners currently refusing access to VicGrid to conduct an environmental effects statement study.
The law, passed with support of the Greens, Animal Justice Party Northern Victoria Region MP Georgie Purcell and Legalise Cannabis Party, grants powers to acquire land before the ESS is completed.
“The mood of people is severe, Someone will get hurt,” said Mr Fenton. “I don’t want to see anyone get hurt but I have this terrible feeling.
“They (the Government) are coming for me and everyone else who won’t roll over.”
Mr Fenton said the new law could be tested in court but could put part of his farm out of business.
He is currently growing lucerne on land the VNI West route is expected to cross.
““We won’t be able to farm this land. That’s how serious it is,” Mr Fenton said.
“And then there’s the risk of land devaluation as a result. The impact will jeopardise the financial standing of farmers with banks.”
Mr Fenton letters from VicGrid about land access had been “fairly threatening”.
Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said farmers had been left gutted by the law change.
“This will pour fuel on the anxiety and uncertainty already gripping communities at the heart of the energy transition,” he said.
“Families now face the shadow of compulsory acquisition hanging over them while they are still trying to understand what a project means for their homes and livelihoods, as well as provide comprehensive information to the EES process.”
“It tells us that those in charge don’t genuinely understand the sentiment on the ground. It sends a clear and devastating message to regional Victoria that getting towers in the ground matters more than delivering a robust Environmental Effects Statement and treating people with dignity.”
Neighbouring councils have also questioned the laws with Buloke Shire saying there had been little public debate, consultation or explanation with communities most effected by land acquisition for major renewable energy projects.
Gannawarra Shire Council has met Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio and VicGrid representatives about its concerns regarding the construction of VNI West.
Council had earlier passed a motion to oppose compulsory access and acquisition of private land and sought greater benefits for the Gannawarra from electricity developments.
“Council opposes any attempt by the government to compulsorily access or acquire farmer’s land. The Minister was told the government has a problem because it does not have enough social licence,” said Mayor Garner Smith.
“We proposed that Gannawarra has access to the electricity we generate at the price paid to the generators. This will provide a competitive advantage to businesses, industry and relieve cost of living pressure on residents, which will create long term community benefit that will build the social licence the government needs to achieve this project without using compulsory powers,”