The Nationals’ Member for Mildura Jade Benham has condemned the Allan Labor Government’s proposed National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025, warning it strips regional landholders of basic property rights.
Under the Bill, authorised officers would be given extraordinary powers, including the use of force to enter farmland, the authority to cut locks, open gates, and remove any obstacles in their path to push through energy transmission projects.
Landholders who refuse could face fines of up to $12,210 and for businesses up to $48,842. Other offences include failing to provide identification or interfering with notices of entry.
“This is a government telling regional Victorians they no longer have control over their own land,” Ms Benham said.
“Instead of working with farmers and property owners, Labor wants to intimidate them with threats of forced entry and fines. “This is not consultation. It’s coercion.”
Ms Benham said Labor’s misguided, heavy handed approach to energy developments had divided communities, causing immense fear and angst.
“Regional communities understand the need for energy transition and resilient infrastructure, but they deserve transparency, respect, and proper consultation throughout the process.
Ms Benham said the Bill is a direct result of Labor’s failure to deliver key energy projects on time and on budget.
“Labor’s energy rollout has been plagued by delay, mismanagement and a complete lack of genuine engagement with rural communities,” she said. “Now they’re trying to fix their mess by steamrolling our farmers, not working with them.”
Ms Benham said the Liberals and Nationals will oppose the Bill 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.”
