ABC News Daily Can farmers take on transmission towers and win?
Dec 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alysia Thomas-Sam, a reporter for ABC's 7.30, dives into the fierce opposition farmers in western Victoria have towards proposed transmission towers. She shares on-the-ground confrontations and details farmers' deep concerns about land division and family legacies. Joining her, climate reporter Jess Davis discusses the critical need for infrastructure in Australia’s renewable energy transition, the rising costs of transmission, and the importance of community trust in ensuring smooth project implementations.
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Gate Protests At Farm Entrances
- Farmers in the Wimmera and Mallee staged tense gate protests to block VicGrid surveyors from entering their properties.
- Trent Carter and others yelled at liaison officers and repeatedly denied access, saying they would rather pay fines than allow towers on their land.
Farmers Describe Personal Loss
- Trent Carter described multi-generation farming ties and emotional loss at having towers bisect family land.
- Andrew Peverell said planned lines would cut his farm in half and keep him awake from stress and repeated inspection dates.
Understand Legal Risks And Choices
- The Victorian government passed laws giving VicGrid powers to force access and fines up to $6,000 for refusal.
- Landowners face a practical choice: allow surveys, pay fines, or risk compulsory acquisition later.