A new study has revealed that farmers’ mental wellbeing is being impacted by land grabs associated with energy infrastructure.
The research from Federation University said farmers and their communities were ‘buckling’ under the strain imposed after a survey in the first half of 2025 addressed both energy and mining’s impact.
The study found that rural solidarity was under strain and farmers were losing their identity and role.
It also highlighted strong family connection to the land and that farmers were ‘proud stewards’ of the environment.
Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) president Brett Hosking said the findings were a stark reminder of the hidden challenges for farmers in the face of accelerating land use conflicts.
“So often we hear about the visual impacts of these energy and mining developments, but we can’t dismiss the hidden strain on communities and farmers’ mental health,” Mr Hosking said.
“It’s incredibly daunting when these huge corporations backed by our government stream roll onto your farm and wave a compulsory access notice at you, threatening to remove your most valuable resource, without first taking the time to talk.
“Tragically an Australian farmer dies by suicide every 10 days.
“That’s more than twice the rate of other working Australians.”
Mr Hosking said the independent academic assessment confirmed what communities and the VFF have always been saying, and that it should sound alarm bells that a ‘crash or crash through’ approach was having deep human and community impacts.
“So much tragedy and stress could be avoided if the process was flipped on its head and the community and farmers were genuinely consulted from the beginning,” he said.
“We need to urgently increase mental health services in these communities to provide much-needed support.
“These companies and our government can still do that, it’s not too late,” Mr Hosking said.
If you or anyone you know needs help, there are services ready to listen 24/7.
Call: Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Also visit ifarmwell.com.au/farmer-friendly-mental-health-resources