They also argue that governments should not be able to impose infrastructure on private land.
But power lines on farming land has been around since the end of World War II and were welcomed by farmers in those days as a sign of progress.
There are also issues with construction impacts, visual amenity and most commonly consultation about routes. I understand their concerns, which must be addressed, but underground cables are too expensive.
Around 40 per cent of the preferred VNI West easement has survey access agreements, representing some 170 properties. This does not look like railroading of farmers and their communities to me.
Statutory compensation is negotiated individually and is intended to fully compensate the landholder under the Land Acquisition Act.
In addition, VNI West offers $46,000 per hectare of transmission easement – pro rata and indexed to inflation. For a typical 100 metre wide easement that equals about $460,000 per kilometre of line across the property.
Also, the Victorian government offers an annual payment of $8000 per kilometre per year for 25 years, indexed to inflation. Ignoring indexation, this equates to $200,000 per kilometre over 25 years.
Moreover, neighbours who don’t host the line but are significantly affected may get compensation of up to $40,000.
Thus, the compensation package is potentially substantial. This suggests to me that farmers and their communities have not been recklessly railroaded by the VNI West transmission line project.
Robert Blakeley
Horsham
Ready to deliver
Life is full of choices. Some might be largely inconsequential in the overall scheme of our lives, while others shape the very fabric of the future we build for ourselves and others and, in turn, the choices and freedoms that might flow – or be taken away – as a result.
At the state election in just under four months, Victorians have a choice that will define our state for the following four years: continue with a tired, out of touch and city-centric Labor government that overtaxes, overspends and puts its own interests ahead of the people it represents; or elect a Nationals and Liberals team who listens and responds to community needs, who can be trusted to manage your tax dollars responsibly, and who will restore hope and the promise of a safe and secure future to our state and all those who call it home.
Since becoming the Member for Lowan in 2014, I have fought tirelessly for our communities to receive their fair share.
But under Labor, our region and so many others across the state continue to be asked to do more while receiving less.
We know that rural and regional Victoria does a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to driving our state’s economy, accounting for 30 per cent of the state’s exports and almost a quarter of Victoria’s small businesses.
We have also been tasked with hosting most of the infrastructure associated with Victoria’s energy transition such as wind turbines, solar farms and transmission towers.
But just 12 per cent of the state’s new infrastructure funding comes to the regions – despite us representing 25 per cent of the population – and Labor’s insidious taxes, including the Emergency Services and Volunteers Levy, hurt us more than anyone.
Primary producers bear the largest brunt of this mammoth tax, while Labor simultaneously tramples their property rights in its reckless push towards renewable energy.
The emergency services tax is one of 60 new or increased taxes Labor has imposed on Victorians since 2014 to service its $194-billion debt bill and the $21-million a day it pays in interest – money that could be going to our hospitals, schools and roads.
Instead, our roads are crumbling, health services are harder to access, housing availability is more scarce, and crime and cost-of-living pressures continue to rise.
But we can change this. We can choose a government that will instead strengthen our economy to ease cost of living pressures, deliver a health system everyone can have confidence in, keep communities safe, and give every Victorian the best opportunity to own their own home.
It’s time for a government that gives regional Victorians their voice back and the respect and fair share they deserve.
The Nationals and Liberals stand ready to deliver a fresh start and the government our communities need and deserve.
Emma Kealy
Member for Lowan
One Nation unclear
What are Victorians actually voting for?
As the Victorian election approaches, One Nation is asking for your vote.
Before deciding, ask one simple question: what will a One Nation vote in Victoria actually achieve?
Many people are concerned about immigration and believe voting One Nation will reduce it.
Regardless of your views, one important fact should be understood.
Victoria does not control immigration.
The Victorian Parliament cannot decide how many migrants come to Australia, issue visas, grant citizenship or determine who enters the country.
Those powers belong to the Australian Government and the Federal Parliament in Canberra.
If reducing immigration is your main reason for voting One Nation, a vote in the Victorian election will not change Australia’s immigration policy.
The same applies to other well-known One Nation policies such as border protection and citizenship.
Instead, the Victorian Parliament is responsible for issues including hospitals, schools, roads, public transport, housing, policing, emergency services and regional development.
Yet One Nation is asking Victorians for their vote without a publicly announced Victorian leader, a published Victorian policy platform or, at this stage, endorsed candidates.
Victorians deserve to know what One Nation would actually do if elected.
What are its policies on the issues the Victorian Parliament can influence?
Every political party should be clear about what it can and cannot deliver.
Voters deserve to make an informed choice based on facts, not assumptions.
Before voting for One Nation in the Victorian election, ask one simple question: what policies will its Victorian MPs actually be able to implement?
Veronica Monaghan
Stawell
The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
