The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, will oppose legislation proposed by the Allan Labor Government that will expand the powers of government officials to access private property.
The National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025, currently before Parliament, will allow authorised officers to use force to enter private land for the purpose of electricity transmission works, including removing locks and opening gates without the consent of landowners.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals could face penalties of up to $12,210, and businesses up to $48,842, for obstructing or delaying authorised entry. Other offences include failing to provide identification or interfering with notices of entry.
“These new powers are a significant departure from current arrangements and naturally raise concerns for many Gippsland landholders,” Mr O’Brien said.
“While I support investment in energy infrastructure, it’s critical that property rights are respected and that landholders are properly consulted.
“This Bill highlights Labor is steamrolling farmers and other landholders in its blind rush to renewables.
“This is an outrageous assault on farming families from a desperate government that is more interested in out-greening the Greens than respecting regional Victorians.
“A government that respects rural Victorians would not be introducing legislation like this, on top of taking away their right to appeal against these projects at VCAT.
“The Nationals and Liberals will hand back these rights to rural people, as well as reintroducing a two-kilometre buffer zone between wind turbines and homes.”
Mr O’Brien said the cumulative effect of these changes and Labor’s ham-fisted approach to energy developments had caused angst among Gippsland property owners.
“Gippslanders understand the need for energy transition and resilient infrastructure, but they rightly expect transparency, respect, and proper consultation throughout the process.
“I urge the Government to take these concerns seriously and work collaboratively with regional communities to ensure that infrastructure development is balanced with the rights and responsibilities of those who live and work on the land.”