We’re calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton to commit to a fair and balanced transition to renewable energy that puts farmers and regional communities at the centre of Australia’s energy future.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the majority of farmers supported renewable energy, but not at any cost.
“Farmers aren’t opposed to progress, but we won’t accept a system where multinational energy companies dictate terms to local landholders.”
“We want proper consultation, fair compensation, a fair go for our communities, and most of all we want you to listen” Mr Hosking said.
The VFF is calling for a commitment that no Commonwealth funding be provided to energy and transmission projects, unless developers have properly engaged with affected landholders and are bound by a mandatory Land Access Code of Conduct.
“If developers haven’t done the work with farmers and their neighbours, they shouldn’t receive a cent of taxpayer money. No engagement, no funding, it’s that simple,” Mr Hosking said.
The Coalition has pledged to scrap the $20 billion Rewiring the Nation Fund. The VFF says if Labor is returned, stronger rules must be introduced to ensure only developers that meet high standards of behaviour and engagement receive public funds.
“We need more than guidelines. We need a legislated code that holds developers to account,” Mr Hosking said.
The VFF is also demanding that compensation payments to farmers who host transmission infrastructure be made tax-free.
“This isn’t a windfall, it’s compensation for lost productivity and ongoing disruption. Taxing these payments is giving with one hand and taking back with the other.”
“This federal election is being billed as shaping Australia’s future. Front of centre of that is how we generate electricity and we need an approach that puts farmers and regional communities at the heart of any decision,” Mr Hosking said.