Dear Environment Minister Kate Jones

After listening to your interview on the 23rd July with Annie Gaffney on Coast FM,  I added a comment which I would like to forward on to you for your urgent attention.

It is inconceivable that the protection of our endangered koala population in SEQ is obviously not a priority with our State and Federal Government.

If my observations are incorrect, then why has our Federal Government not prioritized the vulnerabilty of the koala in SEQ? And why does the State Government of Queensland’s owned corporation named Powerlink plan to ravage healthy koala habitat with their proposed Woolooga to Eerwah Vale high voltage transmission line and sub-station project?

Kate Jones, as Queensland Minister for the Environment, we ask that you prioritize the protection of koala habitat and include this area in your detailed koala habitat mapping as a priority.

The Powerlink project is definitely not ‘urgent infrastructure’ and if the government argues otherwise, then there are alternative routes that do not run through significant flora and fauna areas and there are other options which are in keeping with 21st century technology.

The koala is not only the 4th recognizable species in the world, it not only brings over $2.5 billion dollars into Australia for Tourism each year, but most importantly, the koala is unique to Australia and we have the moral obligation to care for its healthy future.

To be told that the koala will be extinct by 2010 because of development, this should definitely be placed on a list called ‘government catastrophes.’

Now it is up to you Kate Jones MP, to save our koala.

Thank you
Zac Rogers

Dear Letter to the Editor,

Great to hear that our Noosa and hinterland is being acknowledged for the significance that attracts tourists to this special area. Tourists bring millions of dollars into the area. Dollars which can be used to maintain the uniqueness and health of our Sunshine Coast.

The Noosa Biosphere ranges from the internationally renowned surfing points in the Noosa National Park where annual surfing competitions are held and waterways that meander through exquisite lake systems that filter into the mysterious Everglades……and further west we find the tranquil valley of Eerwah, where tourist route 21 runs parallel to Mt Eerwah and where the upper reaches of the Maroochy River is born from the lush springs which feeds this fertile valley.

Can anyone please explain why Powerlink have proposed a 50acre sub-station in our Noosa Biosphere just 300metres from Eumundi, in a valley that is recognised internationally as one of the most unique and beautiful valleys in Australia?

And it does not stop there. The high voltage transmission line proposed will pass through a significant flora and fauna corridor which is nestled between the potential World Heritage listed Tuchekoi Conservation Park at Ridgewood and the Mt Eerwah Conservation Park. Deforestation will occur, destroying habitat that is necessary for the ongoing proliferation of healthy koalas, Richmond Birdwing Butterflies, Northern Quoll, to name a few, and be replaced by ugly 275,000kv high voltage transmission lines that are intended to ravage the countryside before feeding the coal fired based 50acre sub-station close to Eumundi.

From the sub-station Powerlink and Energex have planned further compulsory resumption of our unique Noosa Biosphere, by sending antiquated infrastructure zig-zagging throughout the Sunshine Coast, not only pristine areas but areas where many people live. Yes, high voltage transmission lines are planned to come near you.

Noosa and Eumundi will no longer be in the top 100 tourist attractions if this proposal goes ahead, the whole area may in fact become associated with the Gladstone area as one of the ugliest and most polluted industrial areas of Queensland.

Sanctuary Energy have submitted a proven cost effective sustainable energy alternative which is one option that will enhance our Noosa Biosphere. In fact, what a wonderful way to draw more friendly tourists to the area and by promoting our Sunshine Coast and hinterland as being the first sustainable energy area in the whole of Queensland, we would be supporting our healthy lifestyle and our precious Earth by saving this magical area from more unnecessary pollution from fossil fuels.

We need to nourish areas like this and we need to maintain the Noosa Biosphere before it is too late. Our Noosa and hinterland is under extreme threat of dangerous industrialisation.

I wonder how many tourists visit Gladstone?

Platypus
Ridgewood

Today is International Women’s Day 2009 and this has been celebrated on March 8 for well over 100 years.

It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women. On March 8 2008, the women of Eerwah Vale and Ridgewood met together and discussed their concerns about the Powerlink proposal. As a result we composed and sent a letter on International Women’s Day which  also included many signatures (see reference below). This letter was sent to every woman politician in the Queensland  and Federal ALP.

We received less than a few responses all stating that they had referred the matter onto the Minister for Mines and Energy, Mr  Geoff Wilson, who in turn directed our letter and many other letters, to Stuart Topp in Powerlink  to respond to.

This just isn’t good enough – if we had wanted Powerlink to reply, we would have addressed the letter them directly.

Yours faithfully
The women of Ridgewood and EerwahVale and beyond.
International Women’s Day 8th March 2009.

Refer to:  http://www.saveeumundi.org/2008/03/eerwah-vale-ridgewood-women/

For those of us who have lived with cancer, who have just been diagnosed, or have lost loved ones from cancer, we know only too well the ramifications of living close to high voltage transmission lines. It is a very serious matter what Powerlink are proposing to impose in our backyards. I wonder what the moral implications will be for those who insist on quoting outdated scientific data for their own financial and personal gain?

A few months ago I received documentation from the Leukaemia Foundation of Australia acknowledging and supporting a ‘prudent avoidance’ approach in relation to high-level EMF exposure. The Leukaemia Foundation states that: ”Since 1991 the Energy Supply Association of Australia (ESAA), the peak organisation for electrical companies in Australia, has adopted a policy of prudent avoidance in regard to high-level EMF exposure. This involves taking exposure into consideration in the design and citing of new electrical facilities and avoiding where possible, and at a ‘moderate cost and minimum inconvenience’ homes, schools, playgrounds and ‘other locations frequented by children.’ It also involves sharing information with the public and involving them in decisions made regarding the citing of such facilities.

The information shared by Powerlink to our community denies any dangers of EMF’s with the high voltage transmission lines they propose to erect on our properties and neighbours properties, where children and families live, play and work. The ARPANSA guidelines referred to by Powerlink, in justifying their project, are nearly 20 years old and are “interim” guidelines that noted significant additional research into this issue was needed – that was in 1989. However, they have stated that ”transmission lines generate both strong electric fields and strong magnetic fields.”

The World Health Organization also published a report which classified these EMF as an environmental health problem in line with mercury and cadmium poisoning, which makes it a toxic problem. ‘There is also evidence that these fields are associated with other diseases…and those, for example, concerned with the less documented risks associated with particles ionized by electric fields should avoid outdoor exposure within 2000 feet (approximately 666 metres) downwind from transmission lines.’

“In the meantime until more reliable studies are made stay away from EMF sources”. (Jackie LaMuth Ohio State University Ext Fact Sheet)

Yes, I am concerned and as a resident of this area, I have every right to be.

Perhaps you might also like to read Robert Becker MD “Cross Currents” and “The Body Electric”.

Hazard+Exposure=Risk

JMM Ridgewood

Last year Powerlink sent me a letter that an 275,000kV high voltage transmission line would pass through our family property in Eerwah Vale. I felt really angry and worried. I have a pacemaker and the doctor warned me that Cardiac Pacemakers are affected by electromagnetic fields emitted by 110-400kV lines and can cause severe chest pain due to such interference.

This property is where my cattle fatten and I am careful to avoid chemicals so that I will have organic statis in a few years. I have heard of tumors forming in livestock that live in the vicinity of high voltage power lines and I am most concerned about the potential effects this could have on consumers as my cattle are sold locally, nationally and internationally.

I also worry for the health and safety of my children and grandchildren who frequently visit me at the property.

Then, a few months later I heard from my neighbour that Powerlink want to build a 50acre sub-station just 100metres away from our house. Later I got a letter from them. They (Powerlink), did not have the decency to come and talk to me even. We are shocked and very upset. This is our life and we respect our land by looking after it. Powerlink claim they are consulting, but this is stealing.

Clarry Gray

Eerwah Vale

Related articles:

http://www.saveeumundi.org/2008/07/dam-our-pig-headed-government/

http://www.saveeumundi.org/2008/09/getup-press-release-national-climate-torch-relay-in-eumundi/

Powerlink propose to place 2 huge towers at each fenceline of our 50 acre property, virtually cutting our land in half, and placing 275kv transmission lines within 120 metres of our existing home, and the same distance from our future home site.

Our plans to build our dream home on our hill with 360 degree views from Coolum to  Kenilworth have halted. How can we invest in a home that will be 120 metres from the proposed line and have steel towers and transmission lines ruin the magnificent view?

I believe our family of 4 will be exposed to unacceptable health risks from living so close to EMF emissions, and I refuse to place my two growing sons in such a potentially unhealthy environment.

However our options are few. Real Estate agents tell us the value of our property will half if the Powerlink proposal goes ahead, and even if we wanted to sell at such a loss, it could be many years before a buyer is found.

Powerlink continue to ignore our many years of hard work to establish our piece of paradise, and our dreams and plans for the future.

Sustainable alternative solutions with far less social and environmental impact are available and must be fully investigated by independent experts.

Jenny and Mike

Jorgensons Road

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.

I used to look forward to our week-ends, enjoying all that the Noosa area has to offer – canoeing, swimming, walks on the beaches, through the forest and working on our beautiful acreage property. That has all gone by the way-side while I work through the hell of what this Government is forcing me, my family and the rest of the community to go through.

This project has had many adverse consequences – the sleepless nights, the massive financial and emotional cost. The feeling of being helpless in the face of a cynical and pointless government process. Being locked into this process, not being able to get away from it, not having the freedom to move if you want to, knowing you will not be able to stay if it goes ahead and Powerlink destroy your home and lifestyle.

To try and do something positive I stopped work for 6 months to focus on saving our home, our environment and to try to work with Powerlink and State Government together to arrive at a more sustainable solution. It has however, become clear that attempting to deal with bureaucrats and politicians who have already made their decision, who are not interested in the communities input and are involved in an expensive farce called an Environmental Impact Study is like bashing your head against the proverbial brick wall.

On top of a full time job, I am still working on average 25 hours a week on this fight, attempting to get the Government to see sense and this is 18 months and counting. The thing that keeps me going is the sense of community, the great and varied people that make up this area and the knowledge that eventually the people will force the Government to do the right thing. Let’s hope that it is not too late for us all by then.

GS – Old Ceylon Road

This letter was sent to every women politician in the Queensland and Federal ALP.

We received less than a few responses all stating that they had referred the matter onto the Minister for Mines and Energy, Mr Geoff Wilson, who in turn directed it to Stuart Topp in Powerlink to respond to.

We wonder where the compassion has gone to in our government?

Recently the women of Ridgewood and Eerwah Vale met to discuss their concerns about the high voltage transmission lines imposed upon our community by the Queensland Government and Powerlink. We are writing to you not only because you are members of our elected Australian Labor Parliament, but also because you are women who have the power to act.

Ever since Powerlink and the State Government of Queensland proposed a huge high voltage transmission line through our homes and gardens, we have been constantly reminded of our fundamental rights and we remain victims of not only violation of privacy but we are experiencing violence in the form of psychological and emotional abuse. The violation imposed upon us as a community has already affected the health of our families, relationships and fundamental lifestyles. Lifeline have been supportive in our quest for sanity where the health of our families and environment is further disastrously at risk. These factors considerably alter our quality of life and potentially fall outside our ability to control the health and safety of our families and will invariably impact on all aspects of our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

A wonderfully old fig tree in the heart of the environment affected by Powerlink's proposal

Democracy in the truest sense is lost and we are fighting for what many human rights groups speak about in third world countries. The right of every human being on this earth to live safely. ”All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of ‘sisterhood’.” – Article 1 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The proposed 275KV transmission line is of major concern to us (Woolooga to EerwahVale QLD). There will be a devastating environmental impact on our properties and surrounding areas because of ignorance of the complex workings of the natural world. We are also concerned for the health and safety of our families in every respect.

It is imperative that we leave these fragile areas alone, not only for regional and environmental significance, but for future life existence. As Prime Minister Kevin Rudd recently pointed out: ”This is a moral challenge….succeeding generations depend on us.”

It appears the State Government of Queensland and the Federal Government of Australia have different values relating to environmental issues. Every necessary step forward that the new Federal Government makes in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the State Government of Queensland powers ahead with a potential program, spending over $5bn on networks linking to coal fired power stations and increasing carbon emissions significantly. It seems apparent that the Queensland Government has a vested interest because of tax revenue and short term cost saving in maintaining the coal mining industry and of coal fired electricity generation. Little or no thought has been given to the 2010 emissions trading scheme, the mandatory renewable energy target or managing electricity demand. The use of 20th century solutions in the form of unsightly huge metal infrastructure to run 275KV lines throughout Queensland damages the environment for the people, the flora and the fauna. Powerlink’s proposals run through not only high conservation areas, bio-dynamic and organic farmland but areas where families live and play. Climate change is obviously not a priority with the planners which seem to be ‘progressing’ with speed rather than having consideration for, not only endangered ecological areas but our future existence.

Internationally millions of dollars have been spent on climate change and the ratifying of Kyoto is a great start in saving our planet from destruction. One wonders why this proposed high voltage transmission line is even being considered when millions of dollars are being spent internationally to act immediately on the dangers of climate change on all levels.

Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and Treasurer Wayne Swan MP are both from the Sunshine Coast area and understandably they must be concerned by the State Government’s business as usual approach to Climate Change and Environmental issues when the Federal Government is doing so much in these areas. The international solar conference in Adelaide hopefully has prompted our Federal parliament to act immediately, not only in Coober Pedy, but hopefully in the area of what was the home of two people – The SUNshine Coast – who now have the power to make a necessary change in not only this area, but throughout Australia and beyond.

We, as residents of Ridgewood and Eerwah Vale, ask for your support, where the State Government of Queensland and Powerlink propose to build an antiquated infrastructure of high voltage power lines with potentially dangerous electromagnetic radiation.  This proposal would not only be an environmental disaster, but would have potential detrimental health issues for all those who live here.  This is a sacred area that energetically has a stillness and vibrancy that is unique to this area. It is a wildlife corridor with rare and endangered flora and fauna. Families live, play and work in this ecologically balanced environment.

We understand that you personally have not created this potential environmental disaster and we would find it difficult to imagine even that the State Government of Queensland could be so cold and callous not to care about the fragility of the environment and the families that have chosen to live a safe and healthy lifestyle in this area. Some important factual information must have been overlooked in the State Government departments. We ask you as our future politicians, as our future mothers and grandmothers, who care about life and in particular our lives, to simply investigate alternatives. We also ask you to consider the moral implications of ignoring the recent cancer studies and findings throughout the world.

”Even scientists who have failed to find a reason for the apparent link (to cancer) refuse to say it is safe to live near a high voltage power line.”

http://www.midtod.com/9603/voltage.phtml

There are indeed other reliable and safe alternatives to the proposed high voltage transmission lines that would not only help with emissions cuts, and be environmentally harmonious with life. There are renewable energy and energy efficient options. There are alternative routes. All this community is asking for, is for these alternatives to be fully investigated and compared with the only ”unsustainable” solution being imposed upon this community by Powerlink.

Please help us.

Yours faithfully
The women of Ridgewood and EerwahVale and beyond.
International Women’s Day 8th March 2008.

Refer to:  http://www.saveeumundi.org/2009/03/women-of-eerwah-vale-and-ridgewoods-concerns-have-increased/