VNI West Transmission Line: Land Access Disputes Escalate in Victoria

Project Overview

The VNI West project is a proposed 500-kilometre high-voltage transmission line designed to connect renewable energy zones in Victoria and New South Wales, passing through farmland in rural Victoria.

VicGrid, the agency responsible for the project, states the infrastructure is required to maintain electricity supply. The project requires access to private land for surveys, including environmental and ecological assessments.

Since 2023, owners of approximately 170 properties across the broader project area have agreed to allow surveyors onto their land, enabling more than 300 private property surveys to be completed.

Land Access Disputes Intensify

VicGrid has issued formal land access notices to the owners of 26 properties between Stawell and Murrabit where voluntary access for ecology surveys has not been agreed upon.

Nathan McKnight – Murrabit

"There had been no consultation from VNI West, only notifications."

Nathan McKnight, a sheep farmer at Murrabit, has refused access to his property for VNI West surveys. The proposed route would cut through approximately 250 hectares of his 1,214-hectare farm.

On a visit to his property, authorised officers warned of potential legal consequences. McKnight stated he felt "disrespected" by the interaction. He has locked his gates and said he will not allow entry.

Ben Duxson – Marnoo

"I didn't have the opportunity to deny access because the officers did not stop."

Ben Duxson, a sixth-generation farmer near Marnoo, is opposed to the project. The proposed transmission line would pass within 150 metres of his property.

On a Monday in late 2024, Duxson and approximately 80 supporters gathered at his farm gate when VicGrid officers attempted to access the property. The officers left without entering.

VicGrid project manager Matt Vallis sent Duxson a text message warning that hindrance or obstruction of access is an offence and may lead to enforcement action, including a court order. VicGrid CEO Alistair Parker stated that authorised officers may decide not to proceed if a large group is present.

Duxson has formed a group called Farmers Fight Back, which he said gained approximately 5,000 new members in the past week.

Legal and Enforcement Process

Under existing legislation, obstructing an authorised officer from entering a property for survey purposes can result in a fine of up to $814.04. VicGrid can also apply for a court order for access if voluntary agreement cannot be reached and access continues to be blocked.

Refusing access does not affect whether the project proceeds. However, without access, assumptions may need to be made where information gaps exist.

New Legislation: Earlier Compulsory Acquisition

The Victorian Parliament has passed a bill allowing the compulsory acquisition of private land for transmission and renewable energy projects at an earlier stage.

Previously, compulsory acquisition was typically a final step occurring after environmental assessment processes were completed.

Under the new amendments, transmission companies can acquire land before environmental assessments are finalised. The changes apply broadly to all powerlines, not just specific projects like VNI West.

Compensation

Landholders who agree to surveys are offered access payments ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Landowners are entitled to compensation for the value of their properties or farming operations, in addition to a Landholder Benefit Payment and additional financial recognition introduced by the Victorian government.

Stakeholder Statements: Divided Views

In Favour

Craig McIntosh – Farmer, Tragowel

"I think we should be advancing the country, not holding it back."

Craig McIntosh, who owns approximately 4,000 hectares at Tragowel, supports the project and has offered his property for the transmission lines. He stated that he has farmed around a transmission line for 60 years and believes new infrastructure is needed.

McIntosh stated that hosting 10 kilometres of transmission line would provide more than $2 million in state government compensation over 25 years. He said this would diversify his income and enable a proposed wind turbine facility on his property to proceed.

"Others didn't want it, so me and a couple of other neighbours got together and said, 'Why not bring it through our farms?'"

Against

Brett Hosking – Victorian Farmers Federation President

"The almost removal of my rights to even have any input over what's going to be placed on my land without consent. It's horrific, and no government should be doing that."

Brett Hosking, whose property is within the proposed easement, criticised the project's engagement process. He stated the project has been stressful for farmers and described a perceived removal of rights to have input over land use.

He clarified that his opposition is not to new electricity infrastructure in general, but to the process. He stated that agriculture is reducing emissions but "bearing the brunt" of impacts from other sectors' transitions.

Professor Bruce Mountain – Victoria Energy Policy Centre

"All of our research shows it undermines the energy transition."

Professor Bruce Mountain has criticised the project, estimating it could cost up to $28 billion over the next decade. He stated that his research shows the project is "needless" and "imposes enormous cost on consumers."

In 2023, he presented an alternative "Plan B" involving existing Victorian grid upgrades and higher voltage.

Official Position

Alistair Parker – VicGrid Chief Executive

"Our strong preference is to work with landholders and agree voluntary access for the work required to plan the project."

"We will continue to engage respectfully and seek voluntary agreement, while recognising that all Victorians are relying on us to deliver this project and keep the lights on."

Parker stated that the project will continue regardless of voluntary access agreements. He said that without access, assumptions may be made for project planning.