Nine out of 10 people oppose renewable projects on farmland, according to a north-west Victorian farming advocacy group’s survey.

Farms for Food launched an online survey in December after Farmers for Climate Action published survey results in September last year claiming seven in 10 people supported renewable projects on farmland. 

More than 2800 people – with 1736 from Victoria – responded to the Farms for Food survey, which was open for 15 days.

The survey asked five questions, including the respondent’s connection to farming and renewables; their level of support; and questions relating to being a neighbour to renewable projects.

Of those respondents, 90.1 per cent own, work or have a close connection to farmland. 

A total of 92 per cent of respondents opposed or strongly opposed renewable energy projects on farmland.

Of the 729 people who classified themselves as a neighbour to a renewable energy project, 81 per cent opposed energy projects.

There was also a comments section for respondents to add extra information or context.

Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Ag Protection Association president Ross Johns, a Warracknabeal farmer, said the survey results reflected conversations being had in the region.

Mr Johns said WMEAP formed in October last year because of ‘extreme frustration’ about the processes and procedures around wind turbine and mining projects, including frustration about the changes to people’s rights to appeal to VCAT.

He said there was a growing sentiment in the farming community that both levels of government were neglecting the importance of the agricultural industry in providing food security. 

“The government is out of control and has lost its connection to rural and regional Australia. It is ignoring agriculture and this survey clearly shows our communities are sick and tired of its poor strategy,” he said.

Mr Johns said the survey highlighted several key concerns such as a lack of planning between the different energy proponents; ignoring the rights and voices of the neighbours of project sites; non-genuine community consultation and fast-tracking planning approval times. 

“It’s a great pity that the governments of Australia are guaranteeing the profits of multi-nationals over the interests of Australians, energy users and farmers,” he said.

“Not to mention the huge carbon footprint in building and maintaining this industrialised landscape across prime agricultural land.”

Farms for Food is an advocacy group based in the Wimmera and Mallee, which is a collective of farmers concerned about the pressure on rural communities from companies wanting to harness renewable energy and mineral sands mining. 

The full survey results are published at www.farmsforfood.org.

The entire February 12, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire February 12, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!