Energy ministers from Australia’s two biggest states have called for the nation to “get on” with building transmission networks as TransGrid boss Brett Redman warned the electricity operator was prepared to compulsorily acquire properties along the route of the proposed 360-kilometre HumeLink.

While just over 50 per cent of private landowners along the HumeLink route had agreed to accept financial compensation for their properties, and TransGrid hoped to get 100 per cent of landholders to sign consents, the company is prepared to compulsorily traverse the land of those that refuse, Mr Redman said.