OPPONENTS of the controversial north-south pipeline have lost their trespass case against Melbourne Water employee John Winther.

The Ringwood Magistrates Court dismissed the charges brought by Yea landholder Bill Anderson against Mr Winther after he and other pipeline workers entered his property and fenced off an easement to build and bury the pipeline.

The barrister representing Mr Anderson, Serge Petrovitch, had argued the Government had failed to comply with notification and waiting periods defined under the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act.

However Melbourne Water and the Victorian Government have repeatedly argued they had the right to enter the land under section 133 of the Water Act.