LABOR’S panicked rush to roll out wind and solar farms across 70 per cent of Victoria’s agricultural land has escalated into completely unfair and dangerous territory, with Labor making laws that allow government employees free rein to enter private land without permission of landowners.
Under a new bill introduced to Parliament by Labor, landholders who prioritise the biosecurity of their land and protection of their stock face fines of up to $12,000, simply for not allowing transmission line personnel on their land before any permission or financial compensation agreement is reached. It’s no wonder country people are frustrated and outraged when their views, knowledge and opinions – even landholder permission – doesn’t matter to the government.
The Nationals, in government, will restore the voice of regional Victorians on renewables.
We will bring back the ‘third umpire’, giving landholders the right to appeal to VCAT.
We will also introduce a 2km buffer between wind turbines and homes, protecting families and communities.
We will introduce a community benefits fund that ensures you get a fair legacy investment in your community in return for hosting these projects, because Labor’s potholes, health service cuts and rising energy bills simply don’t cut it.
But most importantly, we will unlock low carbon emissions gas reserves to deliver low cost and low emissions energy, and bring down the cost of energy for every Victorian household and business.
It is all about fairness, proper consultation and the best outcomes for our regional people and communities.
The Nationals will always put Victoria’s rural and regional people as well as our communities first.
Emma Kealy,
Deputy Leader
The Nationals
