KELLY Conroy felt she lacked any powerful standing to take on globally owned energy company AusNet and the controversial Western Victoria Transmission Network Project threatening her region.
But she could run.
Ms Conroy is preparing to run a 100-mile event (160 kilometres) - about 30 kilometres shy of the proposed high-voltage powerlines set to cut through what is largely farming land from Sydenham to north of Stawell.
This is Ms Conroy's way of putting her body on the line to draw attention to the impacts on farming communities, including her home in Bunding, near Ballan, and lobby for the powerlines to instead run underground.
Running has always been a particularly private goal for Ms Conroy, who is best known about the region as a Springbank netballer and former state league netball player.
While still hesitant to talk much about her running, Ms Conroy said running seemed the best fit to make a statement and support the cause.
"Dad's been heavily involved in the AusNet power campaign and I see how much energy he puts into it. A large number of other people are in the same boat still running their farms, CFA duties and personal commitments," Ms Conroy said.
"Running is for myself - time away from work, netball, coaching and daily life - and it's for others, too, because I'm a better person for being outdoors and away from what has been built by man. I always reflect on the people in my life - who and what means the most to me.
"AusNet will impact wildlife, the natural landscape and people's homes. This is what I value."
The proposed transmission network is to be built, maintained and owned by AusNet. The network aims to increase the state's grid capacity and help a shift towards incorporating more renewables.
AusNet last week released a narrowed single path for further investigation through the region but made clear this was not a definitive indication for where infrastructure will go. This reviewed corridor, according to AusNet, takes into account impacts on farmland, wildlife and cultural and heritage sites.
The project must also still undergo a full environmental effects statement.
But the project has continued to face resistance and anger from farmers since the initial corridor zone was announced last year.
Ms Conroy wants to keep drawing attention to the what this means for farmers and communities along the proposed transmission line, which in parts will feature 80-metre high towers.
This will be the first time Ms Conroy has tackled a 100-mile event and she hopes to do so as part of an organised trail running festival in the You Yangs on July 17-18. All going well, she will set out Saturday at 8am and finish Sunday morning.
Her dad Archie Conroy will be her key support person on the 20km loop with a chance for him to sell stickers and talk to people about the project.
All money Ms Conroy raises for her efforts will support the farmers' campaign to protect agriculture and the land.
Ms Conroy is no stranger to ultra-distance running, having completed a number of 50km and 100km events 100km events.
Running has slowly helped fill the void and extra time for Ms Conroy since finishing state league netball almost three years ago.
For this run Ms Conroy has the extra drive for the goal she is chasing.
Support: mycause.com.au and search "100 miles to stop AusNet's towers".