Farmers defy compulsory access powers to block VicGrid staff

Farmers have thwarted VicGrid in its first attempt to use compulsory access powers to enter their properties.

The government agency is seeking access to 29 properties to conduct environmental surveys before the construction of the VNI West transmission line.

In recent weeks, it wrote to property owners informing them it needed access and would use powers under the Electricity Industry Act to gain entry if consent was not given.

At two properties — one east of Wycheproof and another north-east of Stawell — VicGrid staff attempted to implement those powers.

But at both properties, groups of more than 50 farmers blocked them.

Eventually, the VicGrid employees left without getting onto the land.

Now, it seems likely they will seek court orders to get access, under new powers recently en