URGENT UPDATE: Farmers in Victoria are mobilizing to protect a century-old family legacy as tensions escalate with Transmission Company Victoria, which is seeking access to their land for industrial renewable projects. Colin Fenton, aged 83, led a human blockade on his family’s farm in Dingwell, where they have farmed for 102 years, voicing strong opposition to the company’s intrusion.
“This is a David vs Goliath battle,” declared Colin, rallying his wife Mary and a group of supporters just hours ago. The protest follows two attempts by the company to enter their property for environmental surveys ahead of construction, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The Fenton family’s farm, known for its lucerne production, is one of the first irrigation farms in Gannawarra facing potential disruption from the renewable energy push. Colin stated, “We need everything put on hold, a national pause, and have a good look at what we really need for Australia, for power.” His words reflect a growing concern among farmers that the rush to expand renewable energy sources is happening without adequate consideration of local impacts.
Among the supporters was Mick Shepard, who shared his family’s painful experience of moving from Tragowel after their farm was compromised by nearby renewable projects. “The best thing we did was move away, just to ease the pain,” he said, illustrating the emotional toll on families like his.
The protests are part of a broader backlash against the rapid rollout of the VNI West line and similar projects across Victoria. Farmers and community members are particularly alarmed by the potential environmental degradation that could accompany these initiatives. Colin pointed out the remnants of a previous government project that devastated local wildlife corridors, stating, “It wiped out almost 2,000 kilometers of some of Victoria’s best wildlife habitats.”
Colin’s concerns are not just for his own future, but for the generations to come. “I’m not concerned one bit for myself, I’ll be gone before they even put the first tower in, I suspect, but it’s the grandkids that I’m concerned about,” he emphasized, highlighting a sentiment shared by many in the farming community.
As the situation unfolds, farmers and supporters are calling for a comprehensive review of energy policies that prioritize local communities and environmental protection over rapid industrialization. Colin’s firm stance is a testament to the resilience of rural communities facing the challenges of modern energy demands.
Authorities have yet to respond to the protests or the calls for a national pause, leaving many to wonder what the immediate future holds for farmers like the Fentons. The urgency of their fight resonates beyond the fields of Dingwell, as rural communities grapple with the implications of energy decisions made far from their homes.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as farmers continue to voice their concerns and demand a future that honors their legacy.
