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Mr Jardine (Powerlink Chief Executive) in his letter of 25 January suggests I have not accurately represented Powerlink’s approach to EMFs. Those who have had their concerns dismissed at information meetings know it is not the case. Mr Jardine makes much of “prudent avoidance”. This policy admits there may be a problem and attempts to limit numbers of people exposed. While this may avoid large-scale litigation it is cold comfort to those who remain in the path of the towers.

Mr Jardine makes comparisons of hairdryers and the transmission towers. Beyond the obvious aesthetic differences there is a significant electrical difference. The key difference being intermittent versus continuous output, this may be crucial in effects on health. We know for example that a similar dose of radiotherapy administered over a long period can have radically different effects to that delivered over a short period. The same may be true of EMFs, a point which does not seem to be considered by Mr Jardine in his response.

We should be very wary of accepting Powerlink’s information and reassurance. The field of medicine has highlighted the importance of independent assessment in interventions with potential health impacts. Many therapies thought to be beneficial by drug companies and practitioners have been found to be of no benefit or harmful with independent assessment. The point being bias may undermine the value of Powerlink’s information.

The mental health impact of this project appears to be ignored by Powerlink. The destruction of a community has devastating mental health impacts as highlighted by the Dam. When asked about counselling for residents, the Powerlink project manager shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. This is a serious problem; already large sections of the community are spending free time and money they can ill afford to try to stop the project. When fighting a corporation with 3.6 billion dollars in assets and about 600 million in annual revenues, stress and frustration are unavoidable. Mental health issues are of vital importance to the community and must be addressed.

I challenge Powerlink, if they are truly in the mood to reassure and inform, to do the following:

1. Guarantee no land deals will be brokered until after the response to the environmental impact statement has been assessed
2. Make all information regarding the project and its alternatives available without recourse to Freedom of Information
3. Provide a detailed plan for dealing with the stress and depression the project will cause.

Dr Gerard Joyce, M.B, B.S, FANZCA, FJFICM, PG, Dip.Echo, Woombye

Source:  Eumundi Green