They Are Coming for Your Farm - AusNet Intimidation In Action!
Family First Party
Jane Foreman - Family First Legislative Council Candidate
Key Facts:
AusNet has filed compulsory acquisition bids for land along the proposed Western Renewables Link corridor before the Environment Effects Statement process has concluded
The proposed 190km high-voltage transmission line would run from Bulgana to Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west
Under current legislation, AusNet can acquire easements before compensating landholders
Family First candidate Jane Foreman condemns the move as coercive and calls for immediate suspension of compulsory acquisitions
Affected farming families have opposed the 70-metre steel towers on their properties but not renewable energy in principle
AusNet lodges compulsory acquisition bids for WRL land before the EES process has even concluded
Family First Victorian Upper House candidate Jane Foreman has condemned AusNet’s decision to lodge compulsory acquisition bids for land along the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) corridor, calling it a blatant act of intimidation against farming families who have not consented to the project — and whose land AusNet has not even been granted approval to cross.
The WRL is a proposed 190km high-voltage transmission line running from Bulgana to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. Its Environment Effects Statement process is still underway, yet AusNet has moved to compulsorily acquire easements from landholders who have refused to sign voluntary agreements — a move Ms Foreman says puts the cart wildly before the horse.
“These are families who have farmed this land for generations. They haven’t said no to renewable energy — they’ve said no to having 70-metre steel towers bulldozed through their properties without their consent. And now, before a single approval has been granted, AusNet is threatening to take their land anyway. That is not consultation. That is coercion.”
Under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic), AusNet may seek approval from the Governor in Council to compulsorily acquire an easement over private land where a voluntary agreement cannot be reached. Critically, under the compulsory process, the easement is vested in AusNet before the landholder receives any compensation offer.
“The cruelty of this process is breathtaking. Your land can be taken before you’ve received a single dollar. Your family farm can be carved up before you’ve had your day heard. The Allan Labor Government has handed AusNet a legal weapon and is standing back while they point it at farmers. Family First will not stand for it.”
Ms Foreman said the move underscores why communities along the WRL route — from the Central Highlands to Melbourne’s western fringe — have lost all trust in the process, and why groups like the Regional Victoria Power Alliance have urged landholders to hold the line.
“The Government keeps telling us this is about the energy transition and keeping the lights on. But you don’t build trust in the energy transition by steamrolling the very people being asked to carry it on their land. If Labor genuinely believes in this project, put it through a fair process — and don’t send the lawyers in before the ink is dry on the approvals.”
Family First is calling on the Allan Government to immediately suspend any compulsory acquisition proceedings until the EES process has been fully concluded and the Minister’s assessment delivered, and to commit to no forced land acquisition without landowners having exhausted all appeal rights.
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About Family First
Family First exists to restore Australia by restoring the primacy of the family in public policy. This will be achieved through a grass roots political party which raises courageous voices in our nation’s parliaments. More details are available on our website: https://www.familyfirstparty.org.au/
