VNI West Compulsory Acquisition: What Affected Landowners Need to Know
Date: 13 May 2026
Author: Anna Shaw - Genuine People
As Heard on ABC Radio Victoria
Anton Dunhill, Principal at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers, was recently interviewed on Drive with Prue Bentley, ABC Radio Victoria's flagship statewide afternoon program, to discuss compulsory acquisition law in the context of the VNI West project. The interview explored how this major transmission infrastructure project will affect landowners and farming communities across western and northern Victoria, and what rights those landowners have under the law. In this article, Anton expands on the key issues he discussed on air.
What Is the VNI West Project?
The Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West) is a major infrastructure project to build a new 500 kilovolt (kV) high-voltage transmission line between Victoria and New South Wales. The proponents of the project state it is designed to harness clean, low-cost electricity from Renewable Energy Zones in both states and maintain the reliability and security of electricity supply as ageing coal-fired power stations retire. In Victoria, the transmission line is proposed to run from Bulgana (near Stawell) to a new terminal station near Kerang, and then across the border into New South Wales toward the Dinawan terminal station. The preferred route in Victoria is approximately 240 kilometers long, with a project easement approximately 70 meters wide along most of the route.
The project is being delivered by VicGrid (which assumed responsibility from AEMO Victorian Planning in November 2025) through Transmission Company Victoria (TCV). In June 2025, TCV advised landholders that the project's expected completion date had been shifted to late 2030, a delay from the original 2028 target. The explanation given was that the revised timeline reflects updated planning, design, and construction assumptions, and allows time to progress land access, easement and other negotiated arrangements, as well as to complete environmental assessments.
Who Is Affected?
More than 500 landholders were identified in the original draft corridor, and TCV has engaged directly with hundreds of them. The communities most directly impacted are those in the Loddon, Gannawarra, Buloke, and Northern Grampians Shires, farming and rural communities stretching from Wallaloo East and Glenloth East in the south, north through Charlton, Donald, and Boort, to Tragowel and Kerang. The transmission towers are expected to be around 80 meters high and located approximately 400 meters apart. Many landholders remain deeply concerned about the impact on their properties, farming operations, and land values.
How Compulsory Acquisition Works for VNI West in Victoria
TCV was granted a Victorian electricity transmission licence in February 2025. This licence gives TCV the legal authority to access private land under section 93 of the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic) (the EI Act). Since then, changes to the law enable authorised officers to enter land other than residential premises or buildings for various reasons like works. Landowners have been understandably upset, but should seek independent legal advice about their rights and obligations with respect to accepting or refusing entry. Obstructing, hindering or delaying entry by authorised officers can lead to potential penalties.
TCV claims it has a strong preference to negotiate voluntary easement agreements (known as Option for Easement deeds) with affected landowners. However, if a negotiated agreement cannot be reached, the updated laws allow TCV to seek approvals to compulsorily acquire an easement that is, or may be, required for the purposes of erecting or laying power lines and maintaining power lines. This has led to significant upset by landowners and the community given such powers may be exercised before the Environment Effects Statement is concluded.
If compulsory acquisition proceeds, the process in Victoria is largely governed by the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic).
Why Expert Legal Advice Matters
Affected landowners are entitled to claim reimbursement of reasonable legal and valuation costs. This is very important as VNI West compulsory acquisition is a complex process. Acquiring authorities have experienced teams and professional valuers working on their behalf. Without independent legal representation, landowners risk accepting arrangements and compensation that does not fully reflect the true impact on their property, farming operations, and livelihoods.
Experience shows that claimants who engage expert compulsory acquisition lawyers and ask those lawyers to engage independent experts (such as valuers) on their behalf, often negotiate more favourable arrangements and secure significantly more than the acquiring authority's initial offer.
The earlier you seek advice, the better positioned you generally are to protect your rights whether negotiating a voluntary agreement or claiming compensation for a compulsory acquisition.
When clients need to negotiate favourable early outcomes, we have been able to do so, while many prefer to wait for the formal compulsory acquisition process and the compensation rights that arise with that process. We can discuss with you what suits your particular needs best.
Contact Anton Dunhill at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers
If your property is affected by the VNI West transmission line, or if you have received any communication about land access, easements, or acquisition, you should seek independent legal advice immediately. Anton Dunhill is one of Victoria's leading compulsory acquisition lawyers with extensive experience representing landowners against acquiring authorities in major infrastructure projects.
Contact Anton Dunhill at Hunt & Hunt Lawyers today to discuss your matter.
