saveeumundi.org

After  9 years of research to find our “dream property” to seek a better lifestyle than hectic Sydney, in 2000 we purchased 30 acres in the beautiful Eerwah Vale valley with spectacular views to Mt Eerwah, Mt Cooroy, Point Glorious and surrounding green forest.

Of course, our solicitor carried out all the necessary searches for any existing or planned easements, covenants or future building of infrastructure on the land or surrounding areas. All searches came back negative.

We happily went ahead and purchased the land, built our dream home and developed a small agricultural enterprise that would provide us with “lifestyle”.

In 2005, Maroochy Shire Council recognised the importance of our property as being the source of the North Maroochy River system and planted over 5000 native trees as part of a riparian programme to protect the local river systems. These trees now form part of the existing wildlife corridor running through Ridgewood to Eerwah Vale. There are many species of flora and fauna to be found in this corridor, some of which are recognised as Endangered or Threatened.

Can you imagine our horror when we received our letter from Powerlink (in 2007) telling us that we were in a “study corridor” to erect huge towers and 275,000 volt power lines that would not only destroy this peaceful valley, the wildlife, and our scenic views but would have an detrimental impact on the value of our land.

How can the Queensland Government’s historical lack of planning be used to justify the destruction of people’s dreams and lifestyle, not to mention the loss of scenic amenity for locals and tourists alike, to build outdated and inappropriate infrastructure without them considering cleaner, greener and more sustainable alternatives?

John and Maggie
Disillusioned Residents of Eerwah Vale.