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We are continuing to build a comprehensive site with resources, tips and information. Stay tuned by emailing us to get on to our database. For now, a quick rundown of the situation is highlighted on this page.

SBS Documentary:
Heat - Broadcast 25 Nov 2008

Cutting Edge: For years, big business - from oil and coal companies, to electric utilities, to car manufacturers - has resisted change to environmental policy and stifled the debate over climate change in America and around the globe. Now, facing rising pressure from governments, green groups and investors alike, big business is reshaping its approach to the environment. Within the context of the US election, producer Martin Smith investigates what some businesses are doing to fend off new regulations and how others are repositioning themselves to prosper in a radically changed world.

The show is broadcast in 2 parts and they can be viewed from the following links (new browser window will open). PLEASE NOTE - the size of the links - they are large!

Heat - Part 1 (file size 103mB)
Heat - Part 2 (file size 99mB)

Our Supporters
Noosa Residents & Rate Payers Association

Dr Michael Taylor, President of the Noosa Residents & Rate Payers Association supporting PAGE in it's campaign.

26 October 2008

Dear Graham

As discussed with members of the Noosa Residents and Ratepayers Association (NRRA) Committee, following the NRRA meeting on 14 August, I am writing to support PAGE in its campaign against Powerlink’s Eerwah Vale high voltage transmission line project.

This support is on the basis that:

- Powerlink's consultation processes have been inadequate

- The economic justification for the project has not been made clear but seems to depend on electricity growth projections of 4% per annum. This despite net population growth of less than 1% in the former Noosa Shire in recent years, which raises the issue of where the load growth is to be located. The SCRC Mayor has stated that he would like to see net population growth of 2% for the Sunshine Coast Region

- 4% compound growth in electricity demand (presumably over the very long lifetime of a transmission line) therefore implies that electricity consumption per capita will increase at a compound growth of 2% or more for many years. This despite Commonwealth, State and local government policies to reduce per capita consumption to mitigate climate change – and save consumers money

- Powerlink is a monopoly owned by the Queensland Government. Thus it can make investments without being exposed to the chill winds of competition – although the Government would not want to see its dividends reduced due to premature, oversized or simply unnecessary construction of this line

- As a Government-owned monopoly, Powerlink also has a responsibility not to ride roughshod over the citizens of Queensland. The large transmission towers and lines involved in the proposal would have a major detrimental impact on the lives of many people and the environment.

Yours sincerely

Dr Michael Taylor
President
NRRA

Interview on Noosa Community Radio following meeting with Minister

Diet Simon from Noosa Community Radio interviewed Graham Smith following PAGE's meeting with Geoff Wilson, Minister for Mines and Energy.

You can listen to the interview on the Noosa Community Radio web site at www.noosacommunityradio.org.

Eerwah Vale Wildlife - Update

The Recent Logging Activity
State Government recently moved into State Forest adjacent to Top Forestry Road and the existing Powerlink corridor and commenced logging, with little consultation with the local community – does that sound familiar? There are endangered species and critical koala habitat in the area designated for logging, that are important for the environmental impact study for the PL/PB project, that are in danger of being adversely impacted. Thanks to swift and dedicated action by the community, Peter Wellington was alerted to the issue and at a meeting with Premier Bligh, succeeded in obtaining a temporary halt to the logging, pending more investigation – watch this space and the media for more updates.

Possum gliders in the area
We have a resident population of possum gliders in the area and they are in decline and certainly worth our efforts to save them.

To read the full update on recent wildlife activities click here.

Recent videos

Old Ceylon Road

Take a drive through Old Ceylon Road and see the types of flora and fauna that will be affected if Powerlink goes ahead with their proposed 275kV transmission lines and towers. Remember to turn on your speakers to listen to the birds.

If you would like to submit your own video and have it uploaded onto the website, please contact us for details.

About PAGE

PAGE (Powerlines Action Group Eumundi) is urging the Queensland government and its agencies to devise more sustainable and visually acceptable alternatives to Powerlink's current proposal for giant power pylons carrying 12 lines through Eerwah Vale and a 50-acre substation at Eumundi. We are reviewing issues such as alternative routes for the transmission lines, renewable energy options, energy demand management and undergrounding the lines. PAGE's suggestions address the short to medium term needs of the electricity network, while seeking viable and sustainable long-term solutions more in keeping with federal government and community thinking.

Interview on Noosa Community Radio

Mike Tsilfidis and Graham Smith of PAGE told Kris Waldron on her Noosa Community Radio program, "A Little Peace of My World" in May 2008 how property values have dropped by half, people are losing sleep over health worries, relationships are being strained and life plans are being put on hold because 12 lines carrying 275,000 volts of electricity are to be run through their land and some of the most beautiful countryside in southeast Queensland, from Gympie to Eumundi.

You can listen to the entire interview on the Noosa Community Radio web site at www.noosacommunityradio.org.

What you can do

You can support the Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) by:

• Offering your skills or services – from fundraising to technical Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) analysis
• Donating to our fighting fund
• If you own your business, sponsoring PAGE to boost our fighting fund, getting your name out there on posters and online
• Writing to relevant Ministers and Shadow Ministers to ask why such an over-supply of power to this area is considered necessary, and why the State Labor Government is not committed to the same sustainable energy principles that Federal Labor advocates. You might also ask why Powerlink’s plan ignores scenic beauty, wildlife corridors and public health issues. Click here to download a pdf document (169kB) that outlines some useful tips on writing to politicians - their addresses are included.
• Show your support by signing the online petition - click on the link here.

For more information, to volunteer your help, or to join our database for regular updates and news, write to contact@saveeumundi.org or PO Box 950, Cooroy 4563.

Viable alternatives:
The demand forecasts

The forecast information published and provided as justification for the investment in network infrastructure can be summarised as follows: [note 5]

• In the last 40 years electricity demand in the region has grown by around 500%
• ...forecasts indicate electricity demand will grow by about 30% over the next seven years, and by as much as 100% in the next 20 years
• Queensland Government forecasts indicate the population of the whole area is expected to grow by 1.8% per annum over the next 10 years
• The average household today consumes 70% more electricity than a mere 10 years ago!

The Powerlink / Energex energy demand forecasts take little or no account of the following:

• The impact of the recent change in Federal Government policies (emissions trading system 2010), mandatory renewable energy target of 20% by 2020, interim emission caps to meet the long-term goal of emission reduction of 60% by 2050 (recommendations due in June 2008) and the signing of the Kyoto Protocol;
• Targets for the reduction of energy demand through their demand management programs. Energex further state that "The attractiveness of demand management waned in the late 1990s due to energy market reforms and the creation of the National Electricity Market." [note 6]
• A significant role for other sources of energy in their planning and forecasting;
• Proactive management of the future demand and supply of electricity in Queensland through the investigation of potentially cheaper methods. Powerlink have chosen instead to leave it to individuals, as illustrated by their statement "The responsibility for whether households use more or less electricity rests with individuals – it’s a personal choice." [note 5]

To read more about other viable alternatives - click here.

What do substations look like?

The proposed substation north of Eumundi (Cooroy South) requires a site of 50 acres of which the actual substation development will be 5 acres.

Will it look similar to the Bouldercombe substation near Rockhampton?

Bouldercombe substation near Rockhampton in Central Queensland (Click on image to enlarge - opens in new window - 324kB)

Public Meeting and AGM

The next public meeting and PAGE AGM will be held at 4pm on Saturday 29 November at the CWA Hall in Eumundi.

This is a significant meeting where Sanctuary Energy, a renewable energy generator and retailer will outline alternatives to the State Government and Powerlink’s unsustainable transmission line and sub-station project.

The meeting agenda will cover:

• PAGE’s recent meetings with the Minister for Mines and Energy and the opposition leader Mr Springborg
• PAGE sponsored energy planning meeting with Energex, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Sanctuary Energy and other energy professionals
• The personal health aspects with Sue Agnew
• Alternative proposal by Sanctuary Energy Chief Operating Officer Alex Braisier
• Official AGM business including the coordinator’s report, treasurer’s report and the election of office bearers
• Questions and Answers
• Raffle draw - Meeting close

After the meeting we will be holding a BBQ to provide some eats, with tea and coffee. Get to talk in more detail to the guests, committee members and other affected residents. A large number of people are expected to attend this meeting and it is suggested that you arrive early so that the meeting can start on time. Please note there are no child minding facilities at this venue.

If you can't make the AGM, below is proxy voting form. Also, the nomination of a office bearer form if you would like to nominate someone to one of the office bearers positions in PAGE.

Proxy voting form
Nomination of office bearer form

We look forward to seeing you there.

Latest news

PAGE Latest Media Release
Subject: Minister listens at last (28 August)

Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) had a long meeting with the Queensland Minister for Mines and Energy, Mr Geoff Wilson, in Brisbane on August 26, following months of requests and submissions. The meeting discussed the community's concerns over Powerlink's proposed Eerwah Vale powerline in the Noosa Hinterland.

The meeting was attended by the Minister for Mines and Energy, Mr Geoff Wilson, Mr. Dan Hunt, Director General of his Department, four senior public servants, community representatives from PAGE and Mr Peter Wellington, State member for Nicklin.

To read the full press release, click here

Title: Council support for Eerwah Vale
Source: Noosa News
- Grant Reynolds (15 August 2008)

The Sunshine Coast council has moved to have its say on the impact of the proposed electricity transmission line through Eerwah Vale.

Wednesday's Strategy and Planning Committee discussed a recommendation that council staff prepare a response to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, expected to be completed before year's end.

To read the full article, click here

Title: Dam our pig-headed government
Source: Sunshine Coast Daily
- Bill Hoffman (9 July 2008)

The stories of courage in the face of despair I heard from residents at Kandanga, Eumundi and Eudlo last week are the human face of a government that just does not get it.

To read the press release, click here

PAGE Media Release
Subject: PAGE calls on Minister Wilson to meet the community (14 July)

Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) met with representatives of Powerlink and Parsons Brinckerhoff today to discuss their concerns regarding Powerlink’s proposal to build a 275,000 V transmission line and substation north of Eumundi.

The Minister for Mines and Energy, Mr. Wilson has previously stated that "Once PAGE has met with Powerlink, if there are remaining issues the group wants to raise with me, I will be happy to make arrangements to receive a delegation led by Mr Wellington,"

To read the press release, click here

Title: Families forced to sell up in name of progress
Source: Sunshine Coast Daily
- Bill Hoffman (6 July)

It’s the real price of progress and it's being paid by hundreds of Sunshine Coast families who must sacrifice their homes to feed the future.

Many are reluctant sellers, forced to shift from dream homes or their lifetime residences because of a population boom that requires infrastructure to service it.

Many thought they could escape the impact of population, traffic jams and road rage by heading bush.

To read the full article, and add your own comments - click here

Title: Wildlife + pylons = gone
Source: Noosa News - Grant Reynolds (30 June)

Chances are, the great majority of us have never laid eyes on the mysterious creature know as the quoll.

The quoll’s habitat include the Noosa hinterland and the large tracts of land around Eerwah Vale dedicated to conservation, but the area will soon to be home to 45m-high pylons for a new powerline.

Resident of the area for more than 30 years and horticulturalist Annette House has been fighting to have the area protected for a long time and she said Powerlink’s decision to construct a new powerline through the area had made the case for conservation all the more urgent.

“Conservation should be the first consideration because there’s so little of it left,” Mrs House said.

To read the full article, and add your own comments - click here

Title: Powerline answers sought
Source: Noosa News - Grant Reynolds (27 June)

The member for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, is calling on the minister for mines and energy, Geoff Wilson, to uphold his end of the bargain and meet with Eerwah Vale residents to discuss their concerns about a proposed powerline through the Noosa hinterland area.

Powerlines Action Group Eumundi representative Graham Smith said the minister’s office had told the group they had to meet with Powerlink first, then a meeting with the minister could go ahead.

To read the full article, and add your own comments - click here

Title: Wellington joins war on powerlines
Source: Noosa Journal - Isobel Coleman (26 June)

The battle to stop Powerlink running 45m high power pylons and 275,000 volt transmission lines through rural Eerwah Vale homes has received a boost with MP Peter Wellington joining the charge.

Mr Wellington, Independent State Member for Nicklin, met with residents in Musavale Rd, one of the areas most affected by Powerlink’s planned development.

Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) appealed to Mr Wellington for help amid fears by members that their objections were falling on deaf ears.

PAGE coordinator Graham Smith told The Noosa Journal: "Powerlink is spending public funds on an expensive public relations campaign but refuses to provide detailed information to the community – despite their CEO publicly encouraging direct contact with Powerlink.

"What we get is delay, denial and misinformation."

To read download a pdf copy of the article from The Noosa Journal - click here

Powerlink's planned project

Powerlink plans to install 275kv transmission lines through Eerwah Vale and build an electrical substation on 20 hectare (50-acre) site that will ruin the beauty of the countryside to the north of Eumundi with 12km of high voltage transmission lines and pylons up to 65m (over 200 feet) high.

Officially, a link between exposure to high-voltage powerlines and major health disorders has the scientific world collectively shrugging its shoulders – but like warnings about the ills of smoking decades ago, the Hartwell family don’t want their new-born twins to be "the I told you so". Click image to read more.

If Powerlink proceeds with its plans:

* Eerwah Vale, Belli Park and Ridgewood (Tourist Route 22 on the way to Kenilworth) - an area of outstanding natural beauty that residents and visitors love and enjoy - will be ruined forever
* Wildlife corridors will be destroyed
* The uglification of the Hinterland is certain to decrease property values throughout the area, massively for some properties, but decreases for all owners (one affected landholder has already heard from a real estate agent that his property value has halved since the Powerlink plans became known and that the agent wouldn't even list it "because no one would bother getting out of the car")
* The health of people living close to the power lines could be harmed by electro-magnetic fields that recent studies suggest may cause cancer. One such study concludes "the results raise the possibility that prolonged residence close to high-voltage power lines, especially early in life, may increase the risk of the development of MPD (myeloproliferative disorders) and LPD (lymphoproliferative disorders) later." (Internal Medicine Journal - Volume 37 Issue 9 Page 614-619, September 2007)

Proposed power pylon - note red arrow and size of man (Click on image to enlarge - opens in new window - 116kB)

* We estimate that Powerlink's plans would increase the power supply to the Sunshine Coast fivefold, though Powerlink's own projections indicate that just a doubling of the existing supply to the area will meet demand here for the next 20 years.

Please help the community in the Eumundi area fight to protect the beauty of this region.