VicGrid Bill fails Victorian rural communities

The Victorian Farmers Federation last week expressed deep disappointment at the recent passing of the VicGrid Bill through the Legislative Council, warning it grants sweeping powers to the government while doing little to protect farmers and regional communities.

VFF President Brett Hosking said the legislation risks further eroding trust at a time when cooperation is desperately needed to deliver the energy transition.

“This Bill hands VicGrid coercive powers over landholders, while ignoring the need for genuine engagement, fair compensation and investment in rural communities," Mr Hosking said.

“Farmers aren’t standing in the way of renewables, but we refuse to be trampled over in the process. Right now, the legislation locks in a system where rural Victoria carries the burden, while the benefits are shipped off elsewhere."

Mr Hosking added amendments to the Bill which halve some of the fines will do little to calm community sentiment.

“The reduction in fines is cold comfort given they never should have been part of this Bill in the first place,” Mr Hosking said.

Mr Hosking noted that MPs from across the political spectrum admitted during debate that transmission engagement to date has failed communities.

“When politicians from all sides agree engagement has been a failure, it shows just how badly the process has gone off track. The government cannot ignore that warning, it must reset and rebuild trust before any more projects proceed,” Mr Hosking said.

The VFF has repeatedly warned that without reform, Victoria risks repeating the failures of past transmission projects such as the Western Renewables Link, which has lost the trust of local communities.