Nationals MP Anne Webster said the party has committed to halting the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project.
The move signals a significant escalation in the political battle over Australia's energy transition. By targeting this specific infrastructure, the Nationals are challenging the viability of large-scale transmission projects designed to integrate renewable energy across state borders.
The VNI West project involves a proposed 500-kilometre [1] high-voltage transmission line. The corridor would run from Victoria to New South Wales, crossing extensive farmland in northern Victoria, including areas near Kerang and Tragowel [1].
Webster linked the decision to the party's ideological opposition to climate targets. "We’ve been very clear, Matt has been very clear, he’s been fighting net zero forever … we will not be supporting that," Webster said.
Beyond policy disagreements regarding net-zero, the party is opposing the use of federal funds for the project. "Nor will we be supporting the projects that are funded by taxpayer dollars at a federal level," Webster said.
The project has faced mixed reactions from the agricultural community. While many farmers oppose the lines, some have shown rare support; for example, Craig McIntosh offered to host the transmission lines on his 4,000-hectare [1] farm.
The Nationals are calling for a review of Victoria's transmission plan to determine if the project remains necessary or appropriate. This review aims to address concerns regarding the impact on rural land, and the financial burden on taxpayers.
“"We’ve been very clear... he’s been fighting net zero forever … we will not be supporting that."”
The Nationals' opposition to VNI West reflects a strategic shift toward blocking the physical infrastructure required for net-zero targets. By focusing on the intersection of federal spending and land-use conflicts in rural districts, the party is leveraging local farmer grievances to challenge the broader national energy strategy.
