VFF call to Lily D’Ambrosio: End AEMO’s power
Victorian farmers have had enough of what they call AEMO’s “disrespect” for agriculture in the rollout of the VNI West transmission line.
The Victorian Farmers Federation has called on the Andrews Government to take back control of planning of the state’s transmission network, having had “a gutful” of the disrespect shown by the Australian Energy Market Operator.
VFF President Emma Germano said AEMO had failed to consider the impact on agriculture in planning the Victoria-NSW West interconnector and Western Renewables link, and called for a halt to both projects.
“Farmers have had a gutful over the disrespectful way in which these projects are being planned,” Ms Germano said.
“AEMO is not up to the task of taking into account the impact of these projects on Victoria’s food and fibre production. It is an unelected agency which seems to answer to no-one.
“Ultimately, the Victorian Government is responsible for delivering this public infrastructure. “The government should take full control of planning the shift to renewable energy across the state to ensure the impacts on agriculture and regional communities is understood and mitigated.”
The Victorian Government already has a state based agency VicGrid, which is working with AEMO to identify network investments and development of renewable energy zones.
AEMO told The Weekly Times it was not going to respond to the VFF’s call, seemingly putting an end to the fractious relationship.
Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud has also joined the fray, after meeting concerned farmers at Charlton on Monday.
“Farmers in the region are understandably outraged and worried about pristine farmland as well as the future of their communities without a proper planning process,” 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.”
Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio was unable to respond by deadline.
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