Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio MP has rammed through compulsory acquisition powers for transmission line easements just a week after meeting with Gannawarra Shire Council.
A shocked Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith said that despite meeting with the Minister and VicGrid less than a week ago, nothing was mentioned.
“First and foremost, I am absolutely opposed to them,” said a flabbergasted Mayor Smith.
“I am disappointed that we went to the bother of driving all the way to Melbourne to meet with Lily D’Ambrosio, with the meeting motivated by compulsory access and acquisition issues that were specified in our letter and no mention of it was made.”
“I’m very disappointed that she hasn’t seen fit to even indicate that there were going to be any changes.”
The Council had met with Minister D’Ambrosio after a December 2025 Council meeting passed a motion opposing compulsory access and the acquisition of private land for the project, and seeking greater benefits for the Gannawarra from electricity developments.
As a result of this motion, Mayor Garner Smith, Cr Daniel Bolitho and Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson met with Minister D’Ambrosio and VicGrid Chief Executive, Alistair Parker.
“VNI west and renewables will come at a cost to Gannawarra. VNI west will run through the heart of Gannawarra, and the related renewables will change the face of Gannawarra for the rest of our lives. These projects must provide lasting opportunity for the future of Gannawarra and its residents.” Mayor Smith said.
“Council opposes any attempt by the government to compulsorily access or acquire farmers’ land. The Minister was told the government has a problem because it does not have enough social licence.”
The Nationals Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, has condemned the introduction of new powers a “desperate last hurrah of a government riddled with failure and corruption”.
Mr Walsh says for Labor to have run roughshod over the Parliament and the people with its CFMEU financed jackboots, even before environmental and planning approvals are complete, should outrage every Victorian.
And he is urging every Victorian farming family to unite to deny access to any government or VicGrid representative “looking to invade your property”.
“The only reason the government is trying to use this sledgehammer is because Victoria’s farmers are fighting back and they are winning,” Mr Walsh says.
“These new laws allow the government, transmission firms, and distribution companies to compulsorily acquire farmland for power line projects and are a blatant attack on farmers and regional communities – again,” he says.
“Labor has deliberately chosen to ignore property rights immersed in law because the people are finally standing up to them and they are winning.
Mr Walsh says seizing land before the environment effect statement (EES) is complete is a blatant land grab – farmers’ rights are being ignored, communities have no say and it is crystal clear the Allan Labor government has nothing but contempt for farmers, landowners and rural communities.
“Labor cannot continue to bulldoze through our communities and our way of life – it is time for a government which cares for all Victorians.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 12 March 2026.
