The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the consideration of the social, economic, and environmental impacts on agriculture and farm businesses is being ignored by the government when granting powers of access for developments such as mining and electricity transmission.
VFF President Emma Germano has called on the Victorian Government improve the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process to ensure it properly considers impacts on food and fibre production.
“Time after time, we’ve seen the very real concerns of farmers and communities ignored in the face giant mining and energy companies that have caused a lack of trust and confidence the current EES process which is meant to protect all elements of the environment.”
“We’re concerned the government is not ensuring that the EES process considers the ongoing impacts that projects can have on agricultural production and farm businesses. Farmers are being steamrolled as a result.”
“It’s the government’s job to ensure the process is right and that’s clearly not happening. With the huge amount of renewable energy, transmission and mining developments planned for Victoria, we need this fixed now,” Ms Germano said.
Ms Germano said the VFF had written to Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny and Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to recommend a range of solutions.
“We’ve outlined to the government the basic need to include agriculture industry experts being part of any EES technical reference group for a development proposal on farmland.”
“Too often there is no agricultural knowledge included to ensure that EES scoping documents, terms of reference and draft studies properly consider how to avoid impacts on agricultural production and how to ensure fair compensation where impacts cannot be avoided.”
“In addition, communities need to be supported to respond to what is often a highly technical process. Farmers are forking out thousands of dollars to hire experts to try and understand the negative environmental consequences for them and their businesses. At the same time, the companies proposing the development have deep pockets.”
“The government must consider making funds available to community groups so they can retain the technical experts to provide greater balance to the process.”
“We see these as solutions for the government to introduce and we will continue to push for their immediate introduction into the process,” Ms Germano said.