Coalition's power line pledge could win back farmer votes

The Liberal and Nationals parties have declared their intention to cancel the VNI West transmission line project entirely if they secure a victory in the upcoming November state election. This announcement has prompted One Nation to publicly state its own stance on the matter, also vowing to scrap the project. The proposed transmission line corridor passes directly through the heart of the Ripon electorate, a crucial seat held by the Labor incumbent Martha Haylett by a narrow margin of 5.98 percent.

With farming communities in the region previously backing One Nation, the Coalition's pledge to cancel the project could win back support for the Nationals in Ripon. One Nation's stance on VNI West has gained significant traction in the region, with the party having gained notable support due to its opposition to the project, valued at between $7.6 billion and $11.4 billion.

The Coalition's decision to cancel the project follows a review of data, with the Nationals' Emma Kealy stating that the project is "dead, buried, and cremated". Local farmer and One Nation supporter Jason Barratt welcomed the announcement, stating that it is "not a moment too soon" and that it reaffirms his previous intention to vote for the Nationals.

The Coalition's decision comes after One Nation's support for the seat of Ripon was projected to exceed 40 percent, with the electorate characterized by an older-than-average population feeling overlooked by the major parties and facing economic decline.