The Allan Labor Government has stripped farmers and landowners of their rights so power lines can be built on their property.
Labor, with the support of the Greens, Animal Justice Party and the Cannabis Party, rammed through legislation last night that gives officials the power to use reasonable force to enter land deemed necessary for the construction of electricity transmission towers across large swathes of the state.
Officials will have the power to remove any obstruction, with authorisation to cut locks and break open gates when undertaking involuntary entry onto properties.
The highest penalty remains for farmers and landowners who resist, with fines of up to $12,210.
The Government also refused to provide detailed costings of the Victorian Transmission Plan to refute the $28 billion estimate made by Professor Bruce Mountain of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre at Victoria University.
Leader of The Nationals, Danny O’Brien, said regional Victorians continue to be snubbed, bullied and disrespected by Labor.
“In the relentless rush to renewables farmers and landowners have become the victims,” Mr O’Brien said.
“In government we will repeal this legislation, hand back the rights of rural people and give them the respect they deserve.
“We will reintroduce a 2km buffer zone between wind turbines and homes and bring back the right of appeal against these projects. Regional Victorians must have a voice.”
Shadow Minister for Energy and Resources David Davis said the Liberals and Nationals had opposed the legislation.
“After 11 years in power, the Jacinta Allan Labor Government is showing its contempt for democracy and regional Victoria.
“People shouldn’t lose the right to decide who enters on their property because of Labor’s failed ideologically driven energy policy.
“The Liberals and Nationals will restore those lost rights and respect democratic norms.”
