General News
22 November, 2025
Farmers block compulsory access
On Monday, November 17, farmers blocked access at two farm gates earmarked under new legislation by the government for compulsory property access by the Transmission Company Victoria personnel for the VNI-West Transmission project in Western Victoria.
TCV personnel attempted to gain access to the properties on Stawell Avoca Road, East of Greens Creek, and Boort Whycheproof Road, Bunguluken, to complete ecology surveys for the VNI West project, but were blocked by the owners and neighbouring landowners.
About 60 people denied access to three more properties in Western Victoria on Tuesday, determined to protect their land against what they believe is an unfair and unjust process by the government and the transmission line companies.
Farmers are now operating on a roster system so they can continue to protect each other's properties and look after their own farming businesses and their personal well-being.
More properties are listed for compulsory access in the coming weeks.
TCV personnel were stopped at the farm gate of Rod Reading's property on Tuesday, but his property is listed again for compulsory access in the coming weeks.
"We'll be there again, and we'll continue to stop access," he said.
"Our group is great, they are supportive and are really helping us all maintain the stand against access to our properties.
"It's a busy time for farmers with hay cutting and harvest, and it is taking its toll on people.
"We put on a barbecue and tea nd coffee at each protest. It's a way of supporting each other and provides the opportunity to talk," he said.
Mr Reading said he was also concerned that the TCV personnel who came to his gate were wearing body cams, which meant children were possibly filmed without knowledge or permission by their parents.
Greg Baldwin is a generational farmer in the district, and his farm was listed for compulsory access, but he has had a stay of execution after what he described as a distressing incident on his property the previous week.
He said he doesn't mind admitting the incident cost him valuable sleep.
"TCV personnel accessed my property without permission and breached biosecurity conditions last week," he said.
"I made a formal complaint to the Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria, who has deferred any attempt by TCV personnel to access my property.
"We don't know what that time frame will be or what the process is, but we are following that through."
Mr Baldwin says the landowners whose properties are on the transmission line route are in for the long haul.
"This is our job now, some things won't get done on our farms, but that's the way it is," he said.
"If this goes ahead, we'll get even less done because we'll lose valuable productive land, so we need to do this now," he said, referring to the continuous gate blockades."
Looking at it as part of their day's work will help ease the pressure, he hopes.
"Each day, we will get up knowing what our job is for the day. We are standing together and we will continue to do so," he said.
Mr Baldwin is concerned for his fellow landowners and the toll on the mental health and well-being of the landowners whose properties are in the path of these projects, and this must be a top priority," he said.
"They are suffering," he said.
"And suffering badly."
"It's cruel to watch, and we must look after each other, so that's why we are putting on barbecues, tea and coffee at the targeted properties.
"We are treating it as a get-together where we can support each other.
"We must take the anger out of it so we can deal with this."
Mr Baldwin says the current situation is foreign to him and his neighbours,
"We don't want to do it, we hate it with a passion, we are out of our comfort zone, but we have been forced into this situation, and if we don't stand up, the cost will be far greater to us and to our whole region," he said.
Mr Baldwin said his family has had windmills on their land for generations.
He has solar panels on his shearing shed and caravan and isn't against progress, but he believes the way the government and the transmission companies have implemented this is wrong.
He said he continually asks the question:Why use Australia's minimal arable land for renewables and mining instead of land that has no food-producing value?
"I think we are in this for two to three years to come, and it will come at a high price for our farmers, but the price will be higher if we don't," he said.
VicGrid response to blockades
“VNI West is a crucial project to keep the lights on for all Victorians as we replace ageing coal-fired power with new renewable energy sources," VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said.
“These surveys are about getting the best information so we minimise impacts on the landscape and on farming operations.
“Our strong preference is always to agree to voluntary access. That’s the way we want to keep working, because it leads to better outcomes for everyone.
“Safety comes first - for landholders, for community members and for our staff - and we’re asking everyone involved to approach this calmly and respectfully.”
Farmers are eligible for a payment through the Landholder Benefit Payment Scheme, but they say they are not interested in the money, but in the bigger picture of protecting food-producing agriculture.
While VicGrid documents say they have successfully negotiated with some farmers along the transmission line route.
However, where voluntary access can’t be reached, powers exist for compulsory access.
Farmers told The Wimmera Mail-Times they are prepared to face fines and arrest if it comes to that.
VicGrid announced the appointment of Spanish company Iberdrola as the development partner for the VNI West project on November 11 after its successful tender.
Spokesperson for VicGrid said the financial details of the tender by Iberdrola were protected by commercial-in-confidence.
In July, the updated estimated cost of Victorian and NSW sections of the VNI West transmission project had increased from 2021’s early-stage estimates of $3.6 billion to about $7.6 billion, with construction now targeted for completion in late 2030.
"The development partner is required to finance its activities during the development phase and, in collaboration with VicGrid, will progressively build the VNI West consortium," a spokesperson said.
"The initial focus of this joint effort will be the procurement of an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor.
"Following this, the development partner will appoint financiers to support the project’s construction, presenting an opportunity for investors to collaborate with VNI West."
MFWF, VFF petitions call for Victorians' support
Mine Free Wimmer Farms Inc has a petition running to save Dooen farmland from mining as they wait on the outcome of the proposed WIM Resource PL Avonbank Mineral Sand Mine licence application.
The petition calls on the government of Victoria to say 'no' to mining and renewables on productive farmland.
People can sign the petition on http://www.parliament.vic.au/getinvolved/petitions/farmers-land-access-veto-rights.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has also called on Victorians to pledge their support to grow and protect the State’s prime farmland by signing a new petition as part of the new ‘Help protect Victorian farmland campaign.
VFF President Brett Hosking said Victoria’s farmland represents a huge asset that needs protecting.
“Our farmland is an economic powerhouse that underpins more than 150,000 jobs and contributes in excess of $20 billion to the Victorian economy each year," he said.
“Victoria is Australia’s food bowl and our farmland is a National treasure, producing almost a quarter of the Nation’s food, from just three per cent of arable Australian land.
“Our farmers protect and conserve our State’s incredible biodiversity, as well as being industry leaders in the emissions reduction our planet needs so urgently.”
“Farmers and the soil they farm are irreplaceable, and I’m urging everyone to back our farmers.
"We must send this message loud and clear to governments right across the Nation."
The VFF is calling for a change in how land use decisions are made, with a particular focus on food security, local communities, and long-term sustainability.
“We’re not asking for development to stop," Mr Hosking said.
"We’re asking for it to be planned with intelligence, respect and an eye to the future.”
“It’s time we looked at our Victorian farmers and rural communities as an icon to be celebrated for all they provide to our economy, community, and environment.
"I’m asking you to join us and help celebrate them with me."
Victorians can support the campaign and sign the petition at https://www.vff.org.au/help-protect-victorian-farmland.
