Towers opponents remain defiant as possibility of fines emerges

LANDOWNERS in the Moorabool region remain steadfast in their opposition to Western Renewables Link (WRL) towers being erected on their properties, even with the prospect of being fined for refusing to allow access.

About 70 people attended a Western Victoria Community Alliance public meeting in Myrniong on 23 June to discuss an Environmental Effects Statement for the WRL, along with the draft Victorian Transmission Plan.

The plan sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years, and identifies seven areas identified as being most suitable to host new renewable energy generation, such as wind turbines and solar farms, and battery storage.

The WRL route is among them and as proposed is a 190-kilometre overhead high-voltage electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.

Legislation introduced into State Parliament late last month contained provisions for landowners refusing to allow access to their properties to be fined anywhere up to $12,000 if the matter goes to court.

Debate on the bill’s second reading was scheduled to resume in the Legislative Assembly yesterday.

Ballan farmer and Western Victoria Community Alliance spokesman Archie Conroy described the bill as an act of desperation.

“The government is still pushing this through even though they’ve been told many times it’s not the best outcome for energy supply or the communities affected by it,” Mr Conroy said.

“They want to show they can actually do this, but all 70 people at the meeting last week put their hand up and said we will not be allowing people to come onto our properties even if they do turn up with Victorian police.

“We’ll be doing everything we possibly can to protect our livelihoods and our communities.”

Mr Conroy said landowners’ resolve was only getting stronger, with support now coming from property owners surrounding those directly affected by the proposed route.

He said about 75 submissions on the WRL Environmental Effects Statement were lodged at the meeting, and anywhere up to 1000 had been lodged on the draft transmission plan.

Submissions on both have now officially closed.