BREAKING: Farmers in Dingwell, Victoria, are leading a fierce protest against a Transmission Company attempting to breach their family land, threatening a legacy that has endured for 102 years. Colin Fenton, aged 83, stood resolutely with his wife, Mary, and supporters just hours ago, as the company sought access for environmental surveys ahead of planned construction on the VNI West line.
“We’ve been through wars, floods, and fire—by hell, we’re a bloody resilient group,” Colin declared, voicing the determination of local farmers to protect their land from industrial renewable encroachments. This confrontation is part of a broader wave of protests sparked by the government’s push for increased renewable energy sources, which many farmers claim is eroding their agricultural heritage.
The Fenton’s farm, recognized as one of the first irrigation farms in Gannawarra, is now at the center of this escalating dispute. Colin insists there must be “a national pause” on renewable projects to reassess Australia’s energy needs, emphasizing that the current rush to develop renewables is out of control. “It’s just like an express train. It’s headed down the line,” he warned, highlighting the urgency for public awareness on the long-term impacts of these decisions.
Among the crowd supporting the Fentons was Mick Shepard, who relocated from Tragowel after suffering the consequences of nearby renewable installations. “The best thing we did was move away to ease the pain,” Mick shared, reflecting the emotional toll these developments have taken on families like his.
The protests come following multiple similar events along the VNI West line, as the government agency pushes forward with plans that locals argue disregard environmental and community concerns. Colin pointed out the irony in government actions aimed at saving the environment while simultaneously dismantling crucial wildlife corridors, stating, “They’re just pouring money, and the average person’s got no idea that it’s going to bite them.”
The Fenton family’s plight is emblematic of broader fears among farmers regarding the future of agriculture in Australia, especially as energy policies increasingly prioritize industrial development over rural communities. Colin’s perspective resonates deeply as he focuses not on his own future, but on that of his grandchildren. “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.
As this situation continues to unfold, farmers and local communities are rallying to support the Fentons, demanding that their voices be heard in the face of overwhelming industrial pressure. The urgency of this fight highlights a critical moment in the ongoing battle between agricultural heritage and the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. The stakes are high, and the outcome will significantly impact not only the Fenton family but also the future of farming in Victoria and beyond.
