responsibility for planning and developing Victoria’s electricity transmission network—including Renewable Energy Zones (REZs)—will be transferred from the federal AEMO to the new state authority, VicGrid.

VicGrid will have the power to access private land (with a magistrate’s order and prior notice), and landowners who obstruct access could be fined up to $12,000 (individuals) or $48,000 (companies).

new benefit-sharing funds will be created—one for REZ community projects that improve energy efficiency and affordability, and another to support Traditional Owners’ self-determination.

landowners who host transmission infrastructure will receive compensation of $8,000 per kilometre per year, in addition to standard payments.

regional communities may face stronger state powers over their land, with fewer opportunities to negotiate