Transmission companies may need to acquire an easement on private land to build, maintain and operate transmission infrastructure.
Where new transmission lines cross private property, VicGrid will work with landholders to acquire sections of land known as easements.
What is an easement?
An easement is a right to use land belonging to someone else for a specific purpose. Transmission companies may need an easement on a section of private land to deliver transmission lines.
Acquiring an easement does not mean ownership of the land, but a right to use the land for planning, operation and maintenance of transmission lines.
In all cases the priority is to reach agreement with landholders to grant an easement over their property. Extensive engagement and negotiation with landholders that considers impacts to farming operations and property value will always occur in efforts to reach mutual agreements.
These agreements also result in additional payments that recognise the crucial role landholders play hosting new transmission infrastructure.
If all genuine efforts to reach an agreement are unsuccessful, then transmission companies can seek approval to compulsorily acquire easements for transmission lines.
How is compensation determined?
If an easement needs to be acquired, then landholders will be fully compensated under the terms of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic).
Compensation is based on the market value of the easement, disturbance costs and impacts during construction, along with reimbursement for professional expenses related to acquisition negotiations.
The valuation of land by transmission companies must be done by an independent qualified property valuer in line with the Valuations of Land Act 1960 (Vic) and the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 (Vic).
Download our factsheet on understanding easement acquisition
To find out more about easement acquisition processes, download our factsheet below. It covers information on:
- the compulsory easement acquisition process
- protections under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986
- how the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) can assist
- where landholders can go for advice.
Factsheets
Page last updated: 10/03/26