Business & Rural
12 August, 2026
No stance on VNI West from new Premier
Mr Carroll is yet to respond to questions from NCN Herald.
PREMIER Ben Carroll has gone to ground on whether the State Government will drop fines given to farmers refusing access to VNI West project officers.
The new premier has not answered questions on the $814 fines copped by more than a dozen landowners between Stawell and Kerang.
The Opposition has called on Mr Carroll not to sign any contracts before the election for the adjoining Western Renewable Link project.
The Coalition has said it will halt WRL and VNI West.
Mr Carroll is yet to respond to questions from NCN Herald.
They include whether the Government will pause and review the VNI West renewable energy transmission line project and whether the Government withdraw or waive fines received by farmers last week along the VNI West route.
Mr Carroll has also been asked whether he will meet with farmers whose properties are within the VNI West route.
VicGrid is yet to decide if it would take the next step and seek a court order to gain access to properties.
Farmers who ignore the order and continue to block access risks arrest and a penalty of up to $12,210 under new State Government laws.
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