Emma Kealy MP – The Nationals to fight Labor’s transmission takeover
The Nationals will fight the Allan Labor Government’s proposed legislation that would allow government officials and transmission companies to enter private farmland without consent – and fine landholders who object – when state Parliament resumes today.
The Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, said the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill would hand unprecedented powers to VicGrid and authorised officers, allowing them to forcibly access private property, cut locks, break gates, and issue penalties for resistance.
Under the bill, landholders who obstruct access could face fines of more than $12,000, while businesses could be fined more than $48,000.
Ms Kealy said Labor was steamrolling farmers in its blind rush to renewables.
“Labor expects our region to do the heavy lifting for the state when it comes to hosting more renewables, but all we get in return are more potholes, cuts to health services, and a shortage of affordable housing. Now, we also get our property rights trampled, too,” she said.
“Instead of backing regional Victorians during one of the toughest seasons, this government is threatening them with fines and coercing them instead of consulting them.
“Energy infrastructure is important, but Labor’s desperate push to roll out renewable energy projects has crossed a dangerous line.”
Ms Kealy said it was clear that Labor was prioritising energy companies over property rights, biosecurity, respect and transparency.
“This proposed legislation is an extraordinary overreach from a government that has lost control of its energy rollout, and once again it is hardworking farmers and regional families who will bear the brunt of Labor’s reckless decisions,” she said.
“The Nationals will stand with farmers against this disastrous legislation, and fight to restore fairness for regional Victorians, including reinstating landholders’ appeal rights through VCAT and introducing a 2km buffer zone between homes and wind turbines.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage our energy transition, and Victorians are paying the price.”