LANDHOLDERS in Victoria's west face a raft of powerlines running across their properties to meet an expected boom in wind farms in the region.

Some 20 new wind farm proposals have been approved by the State Government and will require kilometres of new powerlines to connect them to the existing electricity grid.

One is the Mt Mercer wind farm, south of Ballarat, where up to 80 landowners will be affected by plans to build a new above-ground powerline stretching about 40km.

Powercor Network Services is negotiating compensation for affected landowners on behalf of Mt Mercer Wind Farm Pty Ltd.

Ole Kelderman, who owns a small property near Ballarat, said landowners faced the loss of vegetation and restrictions on using large farming equipment under the powerlines, while the added bushfire risk was a major worry.

"We want the lines put underground, but the companies have said 'no, it's too expensive'," Mr Kelderman said.

He said the attitude of the companies was a major problem.

"They've been arrogant, dictatorial and fearful of giving too much money to landholders," Mr Kelderman said.

"We don't know if we're being offered the right amount. And it costs us $5000 to $10,000 if we want to get a valuation."

Andy Cameron, who runs a 1500ha mixed farm, said the value of his property would be affected by the possibility of a powerline across it.

"The thing that really annoys me is that the power line issue doesn't have to be considered during the planning process," Mr Cameron said.

"The State Government should have forced the companies to show how they were going to connect with the grid as part of the approval process."

Mt Mercer Wind Farm spokesman Sean Dignum said the proposed route had been chosen to minimise the impact on vegetation, houses, landholders, public amenity and the visual environment.

"The first half will be erected alongside an existing transmission line on standard power poles and will have minimal impact on the land it crosses," he said.

He said Powercor was negotiating "in good faith and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations" and was committed to paying "fair compensation".