Farmers call for inquiry into transmission line placement

Farmers are concerned that prime agricultural land is being turned over to renewable energy projects.

Party leader of the National Party of Australia, David Littleproud and Australian farmers address the media at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The Nationals have called for a senate inquiry into the construction of electricity transmission lines on farm land around the country.

Farmers have raised concerns over the construction of power lines and solar and wind farms on prime agricultural land.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said the Albanese government’s plan to have 82 per cent of the country’s electricity powered by renewables by 2030 would have adverse consequences for farms and forests.

“The decision to rewire the nation and fast-track the project has been done with little consultation,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The Nationals believe a senate inquiry into the transmission lines the Labor government intends to build is essential, to make sure that renewable projects have the social licence they need to operate in rural communities and that all alternatives are explored.

“We think there's a place for renewables. The habitat for renewables should be on rooftops and wind towers, it should be offshore, away from the Great Barrier Reef.”

Mr Littleproud said the government needed to confirm how much land would be required to meet its renewables target and how much it would cost.

A group of farmers from western Victoria have met with Mr Littleproud in Canberra to discuss the issue. They were particularly concerned about the Australian Energy Market Operator’s plans to build a massive transmission network through the state’s west.

Among them was farmer Glenden Watts, who said he was not opposed to renewables but called on the infrastructure to be built in appropriate locations.

“It’s going to affect our production,” Mr Watts said. “It’s going to impact our ability to produce naturally, it’s going to impact what’s available for us to eat.”

Farmers in other states have also raised their concerns about the impact of turning over productive farming land for renewables projects.