One Nation Pledges Return to Coal and Gas, Axe Renewable Energy Zones at Victorian Rally

Speaking to a crowd of about 1,000 supporters at the Marnoo recreation reserve in the Wimmera region last night, One Nation's Victorian leader Warren Pickering said a future One Nation government would remove VicGrid's power to compulsorily acquire land for the VNI West transmission line, which is needed to bring wind power into the grid.

"But more importantly than that, we'll abolish the renewable energy zone that we are on here tonight," Mr Pickering said.

The rally was organised by Farmers Fightback, a farmer-led group that opposes large-scale renewable energy and transmission-line projects on agricultural land. Anger over VNI West has been a key driver of the protest movement.

In a rare interview with the ABC, Senator Pauline Hanson said Victoria should consider building new coal-fired power stations and nuclear reactors. "We used to have coal-fired power stations that delivered the power to this nation," Ms Hanson said. "Put in new coal-fired power stations, you can build those, but also look at nuclear as well."

When asked how One Nation would fund new coal and nuclear projects, Ms Hanson declined to answer but argued that renewables were failing to deliver affordable power.

The event also featured former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, who was present in support. The party's Victorian tour continues tomorrow in Gippsland, buoyed by One Nation's breakthrough by-election win in Western Australia on Saturday.

The policy announcements come as the federal and state governments pursue large-scale renewable energy projects and transmission upgrades to meet emissions reduction targets, drawing increasing opposition from some farming communities concerned about land use and compensation.

Why This Matters

One Nation's energy platform directly challenges bipartisan state and federal commitments to renewable energy, targeting specific projects like VNI West that are critical to Victoria's energy transition.
The party's recent by-election win in Western Australia signals growing electoral traction for its anti-renewables message, potentially influencing mainstream political debate ahead of the next federal election.
Farmers Fightback and similar groups represent a grassroots backlash against renewable infrastructure on agricultural land, raising questions about land use conflict and community consent in Australia's energy transition.

Background

One Nation has historically been sceptical of climate action and renewable energy subsidies. The VNI West transmission project, a major interconnection linking Victoria and New South Wales, has become a flashpoint for landholders who oppose compulsory acquisition by VicGrid. The federal and Victorian governments have committed to a rapid rollout of renewables to replace retiring coal-fired power stations, but face growing resistance in regional areas where transmission lines and wind farms are proposed.

Key Perspectives

One Nation: Argues that coal and gas provided reliable, affordable power and that renewables are failing to deliver. Proposes removing compulsory acquisition powers for renewable infrastructure and abolishing renewable energy zones, while declining to cost its alternative plan. Farmers Fightback and regional landowners: Oppose the siting of renewable energy projects and transmission lines on agricultural land, citing loss of productive farming area, inadequate compensation, and disruption to rural communities. Australian governments (federal/state): Have committed to renewable energy targets and grid upgrades to meet emissions reduction goals and ensure energy security as coal plants close. They view projects like VNI West as essential infrastructure.

What to Watch

Whether One Nation releases a costed energy policy or further detail on coal and nuclear funding mechanisms.
The outcome of the Gippsland leg of the Victorian tour and any further by-election impacts.
Ongoing legal and protest actions over VNI West compulsory acquisition notices and any legislative responses from the Victorian government.

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