Tara Murray
Local farmers have been dealt a blow in their fight to prevent overhead power lines from running through their properties.
AusNet announced on Wednesday that its preferred route for overhead poles for the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project would run from Bulgana, north of Ararat, to Sydenham.
This project is set to help to ensure sustainable and clean renewable energy being produced throughout western Victoria can enter the electricity grid.
The power lines will pass through Barb Ford’s Plumpton farm, which has been her husband’s family since the 1950s.
Ms Ford said she believed underground lines were a better option.
“If it does go through, it goes through the middle of the property,” she said.
“It goes through every share farmer property we have too.
“We go through those paddocks every day to get across to the otherside of the farm or to the share farms.
“They have no actual understanding of the effect this will have. They think it’s just farm land and it will not matter.”
Ms Ford said height restrictions on equipment being used near the power lines would restrict work from being carried out in paddocks next to the power lines.
She said there were also restrictions on burning off near the power lines.
“You can’t have a dam within 30 metres of the tower,” she said.
“The whole area is a no-go zone, how are we meant to get to the otherside of the property.
“If there is a fire, the CFA is not allowed to be in the footprint until AusNet approve.”
AusNet executive project director Stephanie McGregor said AusNet will continue to consult over the corridor announcement.
“Nobody knows the land like the landholders themselves. We will work with them to ensure agriculture and other land use can continue along the line with minimal disruption,” Ms McGregor said.
“We absolutely acknowledge and understand the uncertainty around the issue of farming under potential transmission lines.
“As a result of investigations, consultations and recognition that farming occurs under existing transmission lines in Victoria, we can confirm that farmers will be able to grow crops, including potatoes, within the transmission line easement.
“Ongoing engagement continues to be our priority.”
