Farmers call for more mental health help over transmission lines

Angry farmers are calling on the government to improve mental health services as they face the forced acquisition of their farms for new transmission lines.

Farmers distraught by transmission lines going through their properties, are demanding the NSW government foot the bill for access to therapists, as well as the creation of their own mental health hotline – claiming current supports are not up to scratch.

Farming groups say an existing support line, which is only available to landholders going through compulsory acquisition, is scaring away farmers who need it, as it puts them through to “bureaucrats” in the city who demand all their private information including date of birth and address.

Angry farmers in the central west town of Dunedoo have requested state-run Energy Co pay for the therapy sessions of members of the community affected by the developments of the renewable energy zone, if they require them.

Farmer Andrew Campbell with the existing transmission lines on his farm in Stubbo, in Western NSW. Andrew is angry about having much larger transmission lines going up within metres of his home. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Farmers NSW Dunedoo branch president David Seis said mental health problems among farmers were rife in the area, with transmission lines going forcibly going through their land making it worse.

“It’s not just the farmers with the transmission lines going through their properties that need help; it’s the neighbours who have big wind turbines and energy projects going up next door; its farmers who have sold their land to energy companies who are afraid to go into town for fear of being harassed and bullied,” he said.

Mr Seis said the branch had reached out to EnergyCo requesting they financially contribute to mental health support in the community, suggesting the current available helpline is not fit for purpose.

“The suicide rate of farmers is huge and that's without a these renewables imposed on the community … a lot find it hard to ask for help which means it needs to be connected to the community – not some bureaucrat sitting in a city office with no idea of the issues.”

NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe said while EnergyCo already provided a range of support for farmers she was open to improving the process.

“If it is not working or could be improved, we will talk to EnergyCo to ensure the process is sensitive and meets the needs of affected landowners,” she said.

Existing transmission lines on the farm of Andrew Campbell in Stubbo. Mr Campbell will have new larger one built 240 metres from his home. Picture: Jonathan Ng

An EnergyCo spokesman said all landholders affected by compulsory acquisition were provided with a dedicated acquisition manager but were open to making changes to available support.

“EnergyCo takes the wellbeing and mental health of landowners and affected parties seriously – We are investigating ways to continually improve the support provided.”

Gulgong farmer Andrew Campbell agreed there needed to be robust mental health support for those having their land forcibly acquired.

Raising sheep on his 2000 acre property near Stubbo in central-west NSW, Mr Campbell and his young family are facing the prospect of having massive transmission lines placed on three sides of his home, the closest being only 240 metres from the house.

The 58-year-old who has been farming the property for 40 years said the process had been immensely stressful, leaving his family feeling helpless.

“There definitely needs to be more mental health support,” he said.

“It’s very stressful as it makes us wonder if we want to continue to live here with the lines so close … but then I’m worried it would be hard to sell because the first thing people would see are these massive towers.”

Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Email [e-mail]

Originally published as Farmers call for more mental health help over transmission lines