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Publish date: 18 July 2025
At its July Council Meeting, Buloke Shire Council moved a motion for Council to write to relevant Ministers and Departments to seek genuine engagement between Council, the Government and the Buloke Shire community following the recent visit of the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, MP, Minister for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 11 June 2025.
The Notice of Motion expressed disappointment in the Minister for failing to inform Councillors of major legislative changes tabled just eight days later on 19 June, when the National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 was brought before Parliament.
This Bill grants authorised officers greater access to private land and issue infringement notices to facilitate electricity transmission projects, including the VNI West route through Buloke.
"This is not how a respectful partnership looks," said Mayor Cr Alan Getley.
“Our community is already grappling with the aftermath of multiple floods, deepening drought, rising emergency levies, and now divisive energy projects.”
The Mayor said that those present at the meeting with the Minister attended in good faith, expecting open and meaningful dialogue.
However, no indication of the proposed legislation which directly targets landowners including those in the Buloke Shire, was mentioned.
Council continues to take the position that they are against the VNI transmission line in its current form and that these energy projects must not adversely impact neighbours or restrict their right to use and develop their land and has called on the Minister, DEECA, VicGrid, Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Transmission Company Victoria to engage openly and constructively with Council and community.
The Premier, Leader of the Opposition, and Western Victorian Parliamentarians will also be invited to meet with Council to hear firsthand the serious concerns of the Buloke community.
“Being the closest tier of government to our community, we rely on trust and mutual respect to function effectively.
"When that trust is eroded, so too is the connection between state government and the very people it is meant to support and serve,” the Mayor added.
“Sadly, this erosion has already begun.”
For further information contact 1300 520 520 or media@buloke.vic.gov.au