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Sunshine Coast council has vowed not to support a $130 million electricity transmission line at Eerwah Vale, unless green alternatives are ruled out.

Green energy suppliers have been invited to contact the council to show there are reliable ways to avoid endorsing the transmission line.

Eerwah Vale protest group Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) presented its case this week against the 70-kilometre overhead powerline proposal to councillors, emphasising the project flew in the face of the council’s own corporate plan and its aspirations toward nationwide recognition for sustainability.

Spokesman Graham Smith said the proposal was wrongly based on demographics showing an expected 56% population rise on the northern Coast between Maroochy River and the Gympie council boundary by 2027/28 to 115,216.

The presentation coincided with a council report criticising elements of Powerlink’s EIS (environmental impact statement) findings, and councillors agreed while it was Powerlink’s role to carry on its business, expressions of interest should be called for from any eco-friendly organisations that could “eliminate the need for Powerlink’s infrastructure”.

“Powerlink is going about its state responsibility but it’s contrary to our direction and to Q2,” planning chair Vivien Griffin said. “The government is seeking an aspirational target, yet a state authority is doing its work based on demands.”

Infrastructure policy branch manager Nick Cooney said this week’s council decision was the beginning, not the end, of council’s relationship with Powerlink.

As a provider of distribution transmission lines, Powerlink was required to meet the needs of the community, Mr Cooney said.

Source:  http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/jun/26/council-not-keen-powerline/