saveeumundi.org

Stuart Topp, Powerlink, was sent this email (10 March) regarding detail PAGE expects to see in the draft EIS on the justification and assumptions made by Powerlink in determining for this project to commence.

Dear Stuart,

I am writing on behalf of PAGE members in anticipation of the upcoming EIS.

As part of the EIS process we would like to see, either included as part of the EIS itself, or as a separate document or as an appendix, detailed information pertaining to the justification of the proposed transmission line project.

While not an exhaustive list, we would like the following details, at the very least, to be available for perusal:

• analysis of all costs comprising the project budget of $100m+;
• detailed assumptions leading to the decision for the need of the project;
• information on how the Noosa Strategic Plan’s population cap of 62,500 has been factored into the project forecasts;
• exact figures used for population growth projections in the project, and over what period;
• projections and/or assumptions made in relation to electricity usage, electricity pricing and related costs that have been used in the analysis for the project;
• how the current economic recession has been factored into project justification;
• the relative figures and percentages used in calculations relating to business and residential usage requirements respectively;
• how project calculations have been adjusted to take into account the increased use of energy efficient appliances;
• specific analysis on air-conditioning take up reaching saturation levels and the impact on expected demand;
• how project calculations have been adjusted to take into account the behavioural change impact of demand management and initiatives such as the state government’s ClimateSmart program, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s sustainable development, climate change, peak oil and renewable energy initiatives, new building development codes making for more energy efficient housing to name a few;
• what impact is forecast on energy consumption due to the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme;
• how specifically will the goals set out by the government in Q2 (reducing Queenslanders energy consumption by 1/3) affect this project.

Given the size of this project and the allocation of costs and resources that will be supported by tax payers funds, we expect that it is perfectly reasonable that all these factors and any other assumptions that you have made in the project calculations which may not be listed above be available in detail for the community to examine.

If any of this information is not provided at the outset of the EIS, then we would have no choice than to request an extension for the EIS period which we understand will be six weeks. And to such time as this information is made public.

We care for what is happening in our environment and therefore want to ensure that we are able to give our full support to the EIS process by being able to read and comment appropriately and with the due diligence that I am sure Powerlink would want us to.

Regards
PAGE