FARMERS WELCOME VNI WEST CANCELLATION PLEDGE

The Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed a commitment from the Victorian Coalition to cancel the VNI West transmission project if elected in November.

VFF President Ryan Milgate says the pledge is a major win for farming families and regional communities which have endured years of uncertainty and division over the project.

The federation says VNI West has experienced a major cost blowout, from an original estimate of $3.6 billion to at least $7.6 billion, with costs potentially reaching $11.4 billion.

Mr Milgate says the project also threatens highly productive farmland and established farming operations.

The VFF says farmers should not have to sacrifice productive agricultural land for energy infrastructure and is calling for a fresh approach to transmission planning.

The federation is also urging the Victorian Government to scrap the Western Renewables Link, arguing it presents similar risks to farming families, communities and food production.