Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio has introduced a new bill called the National Electricity Amendment to make changes to laws around electrical transmission infrastructure across private property.
“We established VicGrid to make sure communities have a real say on the way transmission and renewable energy projects are planned across the state, and to ensure certainty for industry,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“We have heard from regional communities that will host new energy infrastructure that the benefits of the energy transition need to be shared fairly – that’s why this bill introduces new Renewable Energy Zone Community Energy funds and a separate fund for Traditional Owners
She said landowners already received full and fair compensation under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act with an additional $8000 per km per year.
The bill will transfer responsibility for transmission network planning from the Australian Energy Market Operator to VicGrid.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the new billl handed sweeping powers to VicGrid and “authorised officers,” including the right to forcibly access private property and issue penalties to landholders who resist.
“This is an outrageous attack on private property rights, and a slap in the face to every regional Victorian trying to protect their farm, their family, and their future,” Ms Cleeland said.
Under the proposed laws:
• VicGrid and transmission contractors could access private property without landholder consent.
• Fines of up to $12,210 could be issued for obstructing access to land.
• Refusing to provide your name or proof of ownership could attract penalties of over $4000.
• Moving or interfering with a notice of entry would carry fines of $1221.
Ms Cleeland said the legislation came amid deepening unrest in regional towns like Colbinabbin, Stanhope, and Girgarre, which had already been flagged for major energy projects with little genuine consultation.
She said the National Party would oppose this bill and repeal the legislation should they get into government.
“This is an extraordinary overreach from a government that has lost control of their energy roll-out, and once again it is hardworking farmers and regional families who will bear the brunt of their reckless decisions.
“Under this bill authorised officers can cut locks, break gates, and force their way onto your property all in the name of building transmission lines for Labor’s chaotic renewables plan.”
Ms Cleeland said the government was prioritising energy companies over property rights, biosecurity, and liability concerns if something goes wrong, such as livestock escaping or disease spreading.
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