Landholders along the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and VNI-West corridors are facing unprecedented pressure from AusNet and TCV, as the companies ramp up a highly aggressive land access regime. We have been made aware of numerous disturbing requests for property access, many of which are invasive and overreaching.

In several instances, AusNet has demanded prolonged access to private land for up to six months, with as many as 20 personnel on-site each day. This extensive intrusion significantly disrupts landowners’ daily operations, raising serious concerns about the impact on their privacy, property rights, and the long-term viability of their livelihoods.

On one large acreage property, despite the proposed easement only covering 15% of the land, AusNet requested to inspect the majority of the property—an egregious overreach and blatant disregard for the rights of property owners.

This kind of behaviour is unacceptable. We must not allow AusNet or TCV to steamroll over the rights of landholders.

Let it be clear: AusNet and TCV do not have the authority to access your land without your explicit consent. This is your property, and you are its rightful guardian. They cannot force their way in, no matter how they try to intimidate or pressure you.

AusNet’s actions have consistently shown that they are operating outside the guidelines set forth by the Essential Services Commission. They are not following proper protocols, and their irrational demands must be met with firm resistance.

Recently, AusNet violated a landholder’s clear directive by cutting a lock to gain access to their land—only to be caught by a neighbour and forced to retreat. Such acts of trespass show the lengths to which they are willing to go, disregarding the law and property rights in their pursuit of this project.

These are nothing more than scare tactics, designed to coerce landholders into submission. But we will not be intimidated, and we will not back down.

Your land is yours, and you have every right to deny them access.

Hold the line. Do not sign.

The stakes are high, and we all know what’s at risk. If we give in to these unreasonable demands, we stand to lose more than just access to our land—we lose our autonomy, our rights, and our future. Protect what is yours and stand strong in the face of these unjust tactics.

We must unite as landholders, standing together to safeguard our land from those who would seek to exploit it. Do not allow AusNet or anyone else to take what is rightfully yours.

In Charlton, Victoria a town heavily impacted by the proposed VNI West high-voltage transmission line, local residents, farmers, and landholders made their voices heard in a striking protest. The entire town was painted red with the bold messages “STOP LABOR’S TOWERS” and “STOP THE TOWERS,” leaving no doubt about their stance.

When representatives from the Transmission Company Victoria planned a visit to Charlton on Tuesday, they were met with hundreds of protest signs, clearly communicating the community’s strong opposition to the project. The signs covered local businesses, iconic buildings, and lined the Calder Highway, the main route through the town, creating a powerful visual statement against the proposed infrastructure.

This collective action reflects the community’s belief that there are safer, less invasive, and lower-risk alternatives for transmitting high-voltage electricity. The people of Charlton are standing firm, sending a clear message that they will not accept dangerous and disruptive infrastructure in their region.