Yet another angry and highly emotionally charged forum was held last week on that most divisive of regional developments: renewable energy. 

The ‘Defending your right to farm’ forum in St Arnaud was organised by the federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster, alongside local grassroots groups including the Farmers Fightback Across Victoria Alliance and the Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association.

Recently elected Nationals leader, Queensland Senator Matt Canavan, jumped at the opportunity to raise his profile in Victoria. 

His main message was his mission to dump a net-zero carbon emissions target, but he wasn’t definitive on solar and wind farms. 

After the forum Mr Canavan said ‘The Nationals will fight to stop the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West, VNI West, by scrapping Labor’s net-zero agenda.

He told Country Today: “I support all types of energy but I don’t support the industrialisation of farmland … The (Albanese) government’s current plan, this rollout of renewables will destroy about 12,000,000ha of farmland. That’s two times the size of Tasmania. I don’t think it’s a good deal. We need to keep our farmland, we need to protect the beautiful soil that we are lucky enough to have here.”

So where else can farmers seek help? 

There is another route, the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner. 

You’ve probably never heard of it. I hadn’t. And it’s none other than former chief executive of the National Farmers Federation Tony Mahar, who has spoken to Country Today about what the job is all about.

“People perhaps don’t know there is someone to complain to and someone that can help them with their concerns, when they’re not feeling like they’re being heard … If you’ve got some real concerns about where the project is actually being placed, there is someone who they can talk to, that’s me,” Mr Mahar told Country Today.

Mr Mahar made it clear he does not have the power to stop projects going ahead. That’s in the hands of planning ministers. But he can mediate discussions with power companies to ensure better outcomes.

So, what are the most common complaints he receives? 

“Lack of engagement, lack of genuine partnership so people are concerned their communities are hosting this renewable energy infrastructure and their community is going to be worse off … they feel like it’s being done to them, rather done with them,” Mr Mahar said.

Many farmers are turning to their local council for answers. The reality is, they have very little power. 

“My message to the energy companies is look after the councils, resource councils,” Mr Mahar said.

“They can help you address the challenges, identify opportunities and they will have a good idea of what their community wants in terms of benefits from this transformation.”

For many regional communities, the damage has already been done and is unlikely to be undone. 

How to lodge a complaint

Complaints should be in writing. People who would like to discuss their complaint first can call Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner on 1800 656 395. People can email their complaint to aeic@aeic.gov.au or post it to PO Box 24434, MELBOURNE VIC 3001.

The entire May 27, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire May 27, 2026 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!