Council & Politics
7 September, 2026
On an island over farmer fines
A NORTHERN Grampians councillor has stood alone against calls for fines issued to Victorian farmers over property access disputes to be withdrawn, arguing council should respect laws passed by State Parliament. Cr Jenny Greenberger was the sole councillor to oppose Cr Murray Emerson’s motion at Tuesday’s Northern Grampians Shire Council meeting, after a lengthy debate over farmers’ rights, property access and the proper role of local government.
The motion called on Energy and Resources Minister Jaclyn Symes to intervene to have fines issued to farmers who denied authorised officers access to their properties for VNI West transmission line planning work withdrawn.
It also sought improved training for Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action authorised officers, timely consideration of farmers’ concerns and full biosecurity plans at least seven days before access was requested.
Cr Greenberger said she opposed the motion because the access regime had been established through Victoria’s parliamentary process.
“I believe in the rule of law. I believe in parliamentary democracy,” she said.
While supporting people’s right to protest and engage in civil disobedience, Cr Greenberger said those who chose to take that course also had to accept its consequences.
She said farmers had opportunities to work with landholder liaison officers over property access, seasonal farming requirements and biosecurity concerns, and avenues to challenge infringement notices.
Cr Greenberger also questioned whether it was appropriate for council to ask a minister to intervene in fines issued under laws passed by State Parliament.
“I’m also concerned about the reputation of Northern Grampians Shire Council to be engaging in this matter,” she said.
Cr Karen Probst strongly backed the motion, saying the dispute had already taken a heavy toll on farming families.
“To me, this is not an issue about fines and money,” she said.
Cr Probst said farmers faced not only impacts on their homes but their businesses, livelihoods and biosecurity, and warned some were approaching “breaking point” after years of uncertainty and conflict.
Summing up the debate, Cr Emerson directly rejected Cr Greenberger’s argument.
“I too like the democratic process, and I abide by it only when it’s fair and reasonable,” he said.
“This is not fair and reasonable.”
He also disputed Cr Greenberger’s comments about the property access process, arguing liaison officers lacked appropriate biosecurity training and sometimes sought access at unsuitable times during the farming calendar.
Cr Emerson rejected suggestions council was overstepping its role.
“I personally don’t know of any legislation that stops publicly elected people representing their community and giving an opinion,” he said.
“I’m here as a consequence of my community wanting support for a very difficult period they’re going through.”
Cr Emerson said the motion was not about his personal views but representing farmers who had asked council for support.
“It’s not about what I want,” he said.
“It’s about what they want.”
The motion was carried, with Cr Emerson, Cr Jack Blake, Cr Probst and Deputy Mayor Justine Hide voting in favour and Cr Greenberger opposed after a division was called.
Mayor Karen Hyslop left the chamber after declaring a conflict of interest and did not participate in deliberations or the vote.
Read More: Stawell