A farmer from northern Victoria is publicly expressing his endorsement of the contentious VNI West project by offering his land for the installation of transmission lines.
Craig McIntosh is part of the approximately 40% of landowners who have granted survey access for the project on their properties. VicGrid has indicated that refusal to provide access will not halt the project’s progression but could result in fines for landowners and limit the project’s informational resources.
McIntosh operates a 4,000-hectare farm in Tragowel, located near Kerang, and has been an outspoken advocate for the VNI West initiative. This proposed project involves a 500-kilometre high-voltage transmission line intended to connect renewable energy zones across Victoria and New South Wales.
In support of the project, Mr. McIntosh has made his land available for the necessary transmission lines. “Some landowners were opposed, so a few of my neighbors and I decided, ‘Why not route it through our farms?’” he shared.
His support stems from his long history with farming near a transmission line established around 60 years ago, which provided electricity to an area that previously depended on generators. “It’s been 60 years, and I think we need to take action; otherwise, in another 60 years, we might regret not having built it sooner,” he remarked. “Farming can continue under these lines; I’ve never heard of anyone having issues with the towers.”
Currently, survey access has been granted for about 40% of the preferred easement, with around 170 property owners within the broader project area allowing surveyors onto their land.
In contrast, numerous farmers have voiced strong opposition to the transmission lines. Brett Hosking, president of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), owns land within the proposed easement. “The stress caused by the VNI West project and the insufficient engagement from VicGrid has been overwhelming,” Mr. Hosking stated. “It’s alarming to feel as if my rights to input regarding developments on my land have been disregarded. No government should operate in this manner.”
Having previously served on the board of Farmers for Climate Action, Mr. Hosking clarified that his stance is not against new electricity infrastructure in general. “Agriculture is making significant strides in reducing emissions, yet we seem to bear the burden for other sectors that also need to cut their emissions,” he emphasized.
By permitting a 10-kilometre transmission line on his property, Mr. McIntosh anticipates receiving over $2 million in compensation from the state government over 25 years. He believes this financial support will help diversify his income and mitigate the impact of drought on his farm. “With the rising costs of fuel and fertilizers, I strongly believe we must explore diverse revenue streams to remain profitable,” he noted. This development would also enable a proposed wind turbine facility on his land, generating additional income. “We are actively pursuing a project involving wind turbines, and we require the power line to connect to these turbines,” he explained.
While Mr. McIntosh anticipates criticism for his public endorsement of VNI West, he is unbothered by potential backlash. “I have always been transparent about my actions and intentions,” he affirmed.
Professor Bruce Mountain from the Victoria Energy Policy Centre has been advocating for an alternative transmission strategy in Victoria. He criticized the projected costs of the VNI West project, estimating it could reach up to $28 billion over the next ten years, suggesting there are more affordable methods to enhance transmission capacity. “Our research indicates that this project could hinder the energy transition, imposing unnecessary costs on consumers,” Professor Mountain asserted. “It’s a significant policy misstep.” He proposed a “Plan B” that would utilize existing upgrades to the Victorian grid and increased voltage.
VicGrid’s CEO, Alistair Parker, stated that while the preference is to obtain voluntary access, the project will advance regardless. “We aim to collaborate with landowners and secure voluntary access for the project planning,” Mr. Parker said. “We will continue to engage respectfully and seek agreements, as all Victorians depend on us to realize this project to ensure continued electricity supply.”
Notices for proposed entry have been sent to 26 properties where voluntary access for ecological surveys has not been obtained. If access is denied, authorized personnel may issue warnings or infringement notices for obstructing or delaying entry, with potential fines of around $800. If voluntary agreements cannot be reached and access remains obstructed, VicGrid may seek a court order for entry. According to VicGrid, refusal of access will not impede the project’s progression, but lack of access may lead to gaps in information that necessitate assumptions.
