ABOUT 125 landholders along the Wonthaggi desalination plant pipeline route have been stunned to learn the Victorian Government has already "acquired" easements across their properties.

Glen Forbes beef producer Lyn Whitlam received a letter from the Department of Sustainability and Environment last Thursday stating the Government had purchased a 1km long, 20m-wide easement across her land.

DSE wrote to landholders on September 1 stating it had gained an exemption from a Land Acquisition and Compensation Act clause that it must give five months notice before occupying the easement.

The letter stated: "Given the urgency of this project, DSE has obtained an exemption from serving a Notice of Intention to Acquire".

But landholders were still shocked to receive letters from DSE last Thursday stating the Government had already purchased their land, but they would not be paid compensation until December 4.

Ms Whitlam said DSE had added insult to injury by telling landholders they could continue using the easements "rent free" for three months.

"We thought they would be paying us rent, but it looks like it's the other way round," Ms Whitlam said.

Kernot dairy farmer Lisa Huitson said the pipeline would cut across the Bass River flats on her property and cut the property's productivity.

Fences will be constructed during the laying of the pipeline, restricting landholders' access to parts of their properties.

"If you cut a 40m-wide construction corridor through a farm it has a huge impact," Ms Huitson said.

"We're in the midst of joining (cows) at the moment, but don't know whether we'll be able to carry them through summer. The Government has used bullying tactics right from the start."

Glen Forbes beef producer David Blum said the pipeline was going to cut straight through his hay shed and a dam, but there was little he or other landholders could do.

"We don't have a leg to stand on," Mr Blum said. "You only have to look at the north-south pipeline to see that."

A DSE spokeswoman said the pipeline was "a vital water infrastructure project".

"The program enables AquaSure to access some properties to start work on the pipeline, which can deliver up to 150 billion litres of rainfall-independent water to Victorians each year," the spokeswoman said.