The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) faced criticism for not attending a meeting in Western Victoria where farmers and residents protested against the construction of power lines on local farms. A convoy of tractors and utes protested against the VNI-West transmission line project that would see a 500-kilovolt overhead transmission line being built to connect the Western Renewables Link at Bulgana to New South Wales near Echuca. Over 300 people gathered in the town hall, but AEMO refused to attend, causing accusations of avoiding the large crowd and attempting to influence the consultation. However, AEMO Manager Nicola Falcon said the meeting was a ‘different format’ and that they want to have productive discussions with different stakeholders. Professor Bruce Mountain, from the Victoria Energy Policy Centre, suggested a better solution would be building the lines on the existing infrastructure in Gippsland. The Victorian government defended the project, AEMO, and its consultation. Farmer and rally organiser, Jason Barratt, criticised the consultation process and expressed concerns about the potential impact on farming and viability.