IF you ask a farmer what’s keeping them up at night, odds are you’ll likely hear one of the following answers:
* Our devastating drought.
* The ever-encroaching energy infrastructure that’s steam rolling through our farmland.
* We’re told Victoria is racing toward a renewable future.
With a government-led commitment to achieving 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035 – and net-zero emissions by 2045 – the momentum is undeniable.
Nowhere is that more evident than in the regions.
However, while these ambitious targets may earn political points and global praise, in reality they are creating growing anxiety and anger among the people who feed the state: its farmers.
To be clear, the Victorian Farmers Federation is not against renewable energy.
It’s a fact that many have embraced solar panels, battery storage, and sustainable land practices as part of their operations.
But there’s a big difference between willingly adopting new technology and being forced to sacrifice prime agricultural land to make way for it.
That’s what is happening now, as transmission lines and large-scale renewable projects are pushed through farming regions with little regard for the long-term impact on agriculture or local communities.
The rollout of projects such as the VNI West transmission line has become a flashpoint.
Farmers in the proposed path are being asked to give up land they rely on to make a living, land which produces food not just for Victoria but for the nation.
This isn’t idle farmland or degraded bushland; this is productive, carefully managed soil which plays a vital role in our food security and rural economies.
Once it’s covered with towers, cables, and concrete footings, it’s gone for good and can never be replaced.
What’s even worse is the process.
The fast-tracking of projects under “national interest” designation has left affected landowners feeling voiceless and ignored.
Community consultation is often rushed or a complete sham.
Planning permits are waived or streamlined to the point where local objections are meaningless.
It’s no surprise many farmers are now threatening to lock their gates against surveyors and energy companies.
They’ve had enough of being treated as obstacles to progress instead of partners in it.
At the VFF we’re in the process of making a submission to the Victorian Government outlining these issues and we hope our voice is heard.
Meanwhile, farmers are grappling with their own crisis as the drought continues.
Prolonged drought conditions are straining feed supplies and pushing up costs.
While the VFF recently welcomed government support to fast-track interstate fodder and reduce permit red tape, we know the challenges will keep coming.
Farmers need certainty and long-term investment in the sustainability of agriculture – not just in times of emergency, but every day.
As your representative on the new Drought Relief Taskforce, I’ll keep reminding decision makers of this.
When it comes to both issues, proper compensation and negotiation is critical.
Farmers are not asking for special treatment – they’re simply asking for fairness.
While things may seem incredibly uncertain at this time, you can be sure the VFF is here fighting for you and making your voice heard.
I encourage you to keep telling us the issues on the ground, so we can relay that message.
There’s so much information flying around at the moment, it can be easy to miss.
Our VFF website is your go-to see what we’re doing and access all the information that’s important to you.
