General News
19 April, 2026
Landowners face additional access powers
VicGrid is seeking access to 26 privately owned properties between Stawell and Murrabit to conduct environmental surveys, as it progresses development of the Victorian component of the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West.
“VicGrid has issued notices of proposed entry to landholders and occupiers associated with 26 properties between Stawell and Murrabit where voluntary access for critical ecology surveys has not been agreed,” a VNI West spokesperson said.
“Ecological surveys are required to identify native vegetation and wildlife habitats and to inform the project’s Environmental Effects Statement.”
The project has been opposed by some property owners along the proposed route, who have denied access to the energy company’s personnel.
Survey access has been provided for about 40 per cent of the preferred easement, according to VicGrid.
During the previous round of access attempts at the end of last year, landowners consistently blocked entry to their properties by the energy company’s personnel.
A landowner on this stretch of the proposed route has confirmed that he and neighbouring landholders are resolute in denying access to their properties and will continue to block entry.
However, this round of access, beginning mid-April, will carry additional challenges for the landowners.
The Victorian Government has established a framework for land access, supported by recent legislative changes that grant additional access powers.
If access is denied, Authorised Officers may issue warnings, directions or infringement notices for refusing, obstructing, or unreasonably delaying entry, which may carry a maximum penalty of four penalty units, about $800.
If voluntary access cannot be agreed and access continues to be blocked, an Authorised Officer may also apply for a court order for access, which includes a notice period and the right to object to the order.
"Refusing access does not affect whether the project proceeds,” the spokesperson said.
“The project will continue through the EES process. However, without access, there may be gaps in information where assumptions need to be made."
VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said VNI West was “an essential project to deliver reliable and affordable power”.
“Our strong preference is to work with landholders and agree on voluntary access for the work required to plan the project,” he said.
“Many landholders have engaged with us and reached an agreement, but there are a small number of cases where this hasn’t been possible.”
Landholders are offered financial recognition for participating in surveys by allowing access to their properties, including access payments of $10,000 to $50,000, scaled to the area provided for surveys.
However, those blocking access say they do not want the transmission line crossing their land, so they see no point in continuing the EES study, nor do they want the money being offered.
Refusing access does not affect whether the project proceeds.
The project will continue through the EES process; however, without access, there may be gaps in information, and assumptions may need to be made, according to VicGrid.
The VNI West is a proposed new 500kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the high-voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria, requiring an easement across private land.
The preferred route runs from Transgrid’s Dinawan substation, north of Jerilderie in NSW, to new substations proposed near Kerang and Bulgana in Victoria, and is estimated to cost about $7.6 billion, which could rise to $11.4 billion due to increased costs and delays.