The new powers were added to energy legislation passed in the parliament today, an underhanded ploy that shows the Labor Government has learned nothing from its past failings to respectfully consult regional Victorians, particularly farmers, on transmission and renewable energy projects.
The new laws will allow the government, transmission firms, and distribution companies to compulsorily acquire farmland for power lines project easements while an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) is underway.
Leader of The Nationals, Danny O'Brien, said Labor's contempt for farmers and regional landholders is showing.
"They're not even pretending to care about consultation, process, or a fair go now. The government is just going to try and ride roughshod over people's lives and farms and force their projects through.
"We opposed this legislation in the parliament strongly, and we will repeal it if elected to government.
"These amendments are a slap in the face to regional people and cannot be tolerated."
Shadow Minister for Energy, David Davis, said Labor continued to try and bludgeon regional Victorians into submission.
"To bring these laws in at the last minute shows Labor will do anything to force through its flawed energy policies.
"This is undemocratic, flies in the face of good planning and environmental process, and should send a shudder down the spine of every landholder in the state, because it says Labor doesn't care about your property rights, listening to your concerns, or treating you with respect.
"We opposed these amendments, just as we opposed Labor's VicGrid reforms threatening farmers with fines for defending their own properties.
"The Liberals and Nationals will also give Victorians back their right to appeal to VCAT against these projects, a democratic right Labor has taken away."
