Springborg Supports PAGE
By Save Eumundi Team • Nov 19th, 2008 • Category: News, PAGE media releases19 November 2008
Powerline Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) representatives met with the Leader of the Queensland State Opposition and Leader of Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP), Mr Lawrence Springborg, and the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Clean Energy and State Member for Gympie, Mr Dave Gibson, at Parliament House in Brisbane on 13 November 2008.
Mr Springborg declared his support for PAGE’s fight against Powerlink’s proposed Eerwah Vale 275,000v powerline project in the Noosa Hinterland.
The coordinator of PAGE, Graham Smith, said “We had a positive meeting with the Leader of the Opposition and discussed in some detail the alternatives for renewable energy and demand management on the Sunshine Coast. These alternatives can provide locally produced renewable energy, regional jobs and also reduce electricity demand at peak times.”
PAGE discuss the alternatives with the LNP's Lawrence Springborg and David Gibson
Mr Springborg agreed that “this ticked three key criteria for the LNP – being commercially viable renewable energy, providing jobs for Queenslanders and demonstrating environmental responsibility – and supports our aim of making Queensland the renewable energy capital of Australia by 2015.”
PAGE agreed to continue working closely with the Queensland Opposition, providing updates of progress on the green energy alternatives being pursued by PAGE and the local community.
Mr Gibson stated “This is an exciting opportunity for the Sunshine Coast and the rest of Queensland to follow a different path to the Bligh Government.”
The meeting also discussed the local community’s concerns over the inadequate consultation process being conducted by Powerlink and their sub-contractor, Parsons Brinckerhoff.
Graham Smith said “In my opinion, the so-called ‘consultation’ process is heavily biased against real community involvement, with considerable conflicts of interest built into the system with the developers paying for the environmental assessment.”
Mr. Springborg agreed that the “Consultation process appeared to be a sham; if you are going to consult, then consult properly with the community”.
PAGE will be holding its Annual General Meeting at the CWA Hall in Eumundi on 29 November at 4pm to update the community on the progress made in campaign. Renewable energy company Sanctuary Energy will outline the alternative energy solutions. Details of the meeting can be found on the PAGE website.
Save Eumundi Team is a group of people who are keen to see our environment protected and insisting that the Queensland State Government and its agencies (like Powerlink) consider viable alternatives rather than the business as usual approach to electricity generation and transmission.
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