Yannathan dairy farmers John and Wilma Coleman have joined a number of other farmers from across Cardinia in expressing their dismay at plans to power the Wonthaggi desalination plant that they say will directly affect their livelihoods.

The State Government proposal is one of three options being considered and would mean a 500-metre corridor running from Wonthaggi to the power grid near the Tynong North area.

Mr Coleman said he was upset at the underhandedness of the Government's process.

"The first we knew about this plan was when we got a knock on the door to tell us the power lines would run right through our property.

"Considering this is only in the planning stages, there has been a lot of preparatory work done.''

He said the 500-metre-wide corridor, of which 40 metres would be needed to house the actual power lines, would dramatically reduce the value and usability of his property.

"The 500-metre corridor crosses our farm at an angle, touching the driveway, outer building blocks and much of our paddocks.

"It would be an absolute eyesore and affect the value of our land, land that my wife's family selected in the 1870s.''

Eastern Region MP Edward O'Donohue said he had met with concerned vegetable growers and dairy farmers and many were concerned the proposed powerlines would reduce their production capabilities.

"Much of the farmland that has been identified in the proposal is prime vegetable-growing land and dairy country, both industries which rely heavily on irrigation.''

He said farmers and residents had had no input into the proposed route and believed the Government had little understanding of the consequences of the proposal.

"If the State Government continues with its intentions to construct the power lines through the 500-metre corridor, then affected farmers will have restrictions placed on them as to the type of machinery they can use and areas they are able to irrigate.''

There will be a public meeting at the Lang Lang town hall from 10am on Thursday.

A spokesperson from the Department of Sustainability and Environment did not respond to Journal inquiries before deadline.

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