Landholders, do not be bullied or misled by transmission companies trying to run roughshod over your rights! You have the power to protect your land and your interests. Do not cave to their aggressive tactics, coercion or misinformation.

These corporations are abusing their legal powers, deploy unconscionable negotiation ploys, and making misleading claims to pressure you into signing away access. But you do not have to submit to these hostile manoeuvres. Stand united and resolute.

Remember, it is your land – your rights supersede their commercial interests. You are under no obligation to grant access or sign any agreement you are uncomfortable with. Demand transparency, fair dealing and respect for your position as the landholder.

If transmission companies deploy bullying behaviour or deceptive practices, refer them immediately to authorities (Police, Commissioner, Ombudsman). Do not be afraid to fight any attempt to take advantage or run over your lawful entitlements as a property owner.

Hold firm in the face of inducements designed to improperly influence you. What may seem a windfall payment today could pale in comparison to the long-term impacts on your land and livelihood from unchecked infrastructure development.

This is a line in the sand moment for landholders across the nation. If we let these corporations trample our rights through hostile tactics, it will set a dangerous precedent. But if we band together and demand ethical, lawful conduct, we can protect our properties and uphold our rights as custodians of this land.

Do not sign anything under duress. Do not allow anyone to coerce access to your property. Stand strong – your land, your rights, your decision!

The Supreme Court has ruled against us, dismissing our challenge to the Victorian Government’s unjust Ministerial Orders. These draconian orders sacrifice our homes, farms, businesses, and the environment at the altar of the Western Renewables Link and VNI West transmission line devastation.

But we will not go down without an earth-shaking battle! This is our ultimate chance to derail these destructive infrastructure projects and defend all we hold dear.

The gloves are off – it’s time to unleash the full force of our resistance. We need every landholder, every farmer, every conscientious citizen to join us on the frontlines.

Dig deep and donate now to fuel our legal offensive! Your support is the ammunition we need to wage the war to protect our properties, our livelihoods, our very way of life.

Transfer funds directly:

Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance

BSB: 633 000

ACC: 175 892 850

Or donate at any Bendigo Bank branch.

This is a call to arms like no other. We are the last line of defense against corporate greed and environmental pillaging. If we fall, it will enable a scourge upon our lands.

But if we stand united, dig in our heels and fight with every ounce of grit, we can overcome! Our spirit is too strong, our cause too just to be denied.

Don’t back down – double down! Join us on the ramparts as we wage war to protect our sacred ground. Donate today and be a part of this historic stand!

Across Western Victoria, private landholders are sounding the alarm over what they describe as aggressive and unacceptable tactics being used by major transmission companies like AusNet and TCV to gain access to their properties for infrastructure projects.

A key concern is the abuse and manipulation of legal powers by these companies to compel landholders to grant access, against their wishes.

This power imbalance can pressure landholders into negotiating access agreements they are deeply uncomfortable with, according to farmer groups. Emma Germano, President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, said “Farmers won’t let authorities run over the top of their rights.”

These transmission companies are deploying aggressive negotiation tactics, rather than a collaborative approach. Pauline Smith, who farms in Victoria’s Western District, described dealings with AusNet over the proposed Western Renewables Link as “a nightmare of bullying tactics.”

There are widespread cases of these transmission companies using misleading information and coercion to pressure landholders. For the VNI-West project in Victoria, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) released statements suggesting it could force entry onto farms to conduct surveys, despite not having the required licenses.

The Victorian Farmers Federation said such tactics amount to AEMO “trying to coerce farmers into signing away their rights” and represent “shameful” behaviour.

These aggressive tactics potentially expose transmission companies to significant legal risks:

Exceeding Legal Powers: While companies may have certain statutory land access powers, using them in an aggressive or misleading manner constitutes an abuse of those legal authorities.

AUSNET AND TCV DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS YOUR LAND UNDER THESE PROPOSED PROJECTS

Misleading and Deceptive Conduct: Releasing false or misleading statements to pressure landholders into granting access breaches laws prohibiting misleading and deceptive conduct.

Unconscionable Conduct: Offering landholders inducements to take advantage of their position amounts to unconscionable conduct under Australian consumer laws.

Breach of Negotiation Requirements: Using hostile tactics could breach these requirements.

Disputes and Litigation: Landholders can refer matters to bodies like the Land Court if they feel subjected to hostile tactics, potentially leading to costly legal disputes.

Perhaps most significantly, the use of these aggressive tactics is causing major reputational damage and undermining public trust in transmission companies’ operations. As Emma Germano stated, “If the Victorian Government continues to allow this sort of behaviour from AEMO, farmers won’t cooperate and there is no way that Victoria will be able to meet its renewable energy targets.”

As major renewable transmission projects ramp up nationwide, companies like AusNet, TCV and AEMO must ensure they engage respectfully and transparently with landholders whose cooperation is vital. Continuing to employ hostile tactics will not only risk legal consequences, but will severely jeopardize these companies’ social license to build critical infrastructure.

A community event to raise funds for the RVPA Fighting Fund going towards the Victorian Supreme Court appeal and three groups that support the community including: TIACS, Live4Life and WRISC

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558533686818 and here https://www.facebook.com/events/2198837257131992/

Tickets on sale

Visit: https://www.reddirtball.com.au/