VicGrid surveyors cancel access visit after farmgate protest makes them feel unsafe
VicGrid surveyors cancelled a planned environmental survey on a Marnoo farmer's property after encountering about 80 protesters at the gate, citing safety concerns. The farmer, Ben Duxson, a leading opponent of the VNI West transmission line, said VicGrid did not stop to engage. VicGrid later warned Duxson of potential enforcement action over alleged obstruction. The incident reflects growing tensions between farmers and authorities over proposed energy infrastructure.
- ▪VicGrid surveyors cancelled a scheduled property access visit after seeing approximately 80 people gathered at farmer Ben Duxson's gate in Marnoo, western Victoria.
- ▪VicGrid project officials cited safety concerns and claimed the presence of protesters hindered lawful access to the property.
- ▪Ben Duxson, a sixth-generation farmer, leads the 'Farmers Fight Back' group opposing the VNI West transmission line, which would pass within 150 metres of his land.
- ▪VicGrid warned Duxson via text message that obstructing access is an offence and may result in enforcement or a court-ordered entry.
- ▪The VNI West project involves a proposed 240-kilometre, 500-kilovolt transmission line to support renewable energy infrastructure in western Victoria.
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VicGrid surveyors cancel access visit after farmgate protest makes them feel unsafeBy Tamara ClarkABC WimmeraTopic:Renewable Energy1h ago1 hours agoTue 28 Apr 2026 at 10:39pmBen Duxson addressing his supporters after VicGrid drove past his property and declined to stop. (ABC News: Tamara Clark)In short:The battle between Western Victorian farmers and government renewable energy planner VicGrid is intensifying.Surveyors were due to visit a Marnoo farmer's property on Monday but cancelled when they saw 80 people waiting at the farm gate.What's next?VicGrid officers are conducting environmental surveys to plan for the proposed 240-kilometre VNI West transmission line.abc.net.au/news/vicgrid-marnoo-farm-power-lines-transmission-energy-land-access/106617462Link copiedShareShare…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).