Opposition MPs Tim McCurdy (Ovens Valley) and Wendy Lovell (Northern Victoria) have referred to the legislation as heavy-handed, deeply disrespectful and draconian.
“While many support the need to transition to cleaner energy, it must be done fairly, transparently, and in genuine partnership with the communities expected to host this infrastructure,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Landholders who stand their ground could be fined up to $12,210 for refusing access, over $4,000 for not providing identification, and $1,221 for simply removing a notice from their own property.”
The National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025, introduced by Energy and Resources Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, is due to be debated in Parliament, and will transfer responsibility for transmission network planning from the Australian Energy Market Operator to VicGrid.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the Bill would ensure the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time was built as Victoria transitioned to cheaper renewable energy.
“We’re making sure communities that host renewable energy infrastructure directly benefit from the substantial investments in their regions these projects generate,” she said.
“These reforms will make sure industry have the certainty they need to invest and VicGrid can do the important planning works that will keep the lights on and deliver cheap renewable power to Victorian homes and businesses.”
Ms Lovell said legislation would be opposed by the Liberal Party in Parliament.
“These officers would be allowed to use reasonable force to enter land deemed necessary for the construction of electricity transmission towers across large swathes of the state,” Ms Lovell said.
“They would have the power to remove any obstruction, with authorisation to cut locks and break open gates when undertaking involuntary entry onto properties.
“This legislation is an extraordinary over-step by government and tramples on long-standing democratic processes as it faces the consequences of its botched rollout of “renewables.
“Removing landowners rights to appeal against these projects at VCAT shows complete disregard for rural Victorians and reflects an increasingly authoritarian stance from a Labor government now in its eleventh year.”
Mr McCurdy said the Nationals would also oppose the legislation, which would strip regional Victorians of their property rights and send a clear message that Labor will push ahead, whether locals agree or not.
“Energy reform is important, but respect for the people who grow our food and care for our land must come first,” he said.
