The PAGE May Newsletter (pdf copy below) is devoted entirely to Powerrlink’s intention to seek Ministerial designation, as well as the final step – that is, the Resumption of your land.

Deadline: 9 June 2010

The most pertinent issue for you to remember is that you have to get your CID Submission into Powerlink by 5pm, Wednesday 9 June.

The PAGE newsletter provides you all the information you require (and more) to help you prepare your own submission. There are also 2 word documents of Sample Submissions and Sample Issue Topics.

PAGE Newsletter – May 2010

Residents Submission-1 Example

Residents submission-2 – Topics

Don’t leave it too late. Don’t think it’s all over. You can make a difference.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/06/18/2931239.htm

Transcript

Kathy McLeish reports property owners fear for their livelihoods.

JESSICA van VONDEREN: Queensland is grappling with unprecedented growth. And one of the problems is accommodating more people while protecting the environment. Kathy McLeish reports on a Sunshine Coast group fighting a move to put powerlines through their rural community

KATHY McLEISH: Jack Connolly always wanted to own his own vineyard and his own business.

JACK CONNOLLY, RESIDENT: We spent 12 years looking for our piece of paradise my wife and I

(FOOTAGE OF EERWAH VALE, NORTH WEST OF NOOSA)

KATHY McLEISH: They found it here in Eerwah Vale North West of Noosa.

JACK CONNOLLY: An ancient volcano valley floor and the soil here is so fertile you can plant anything, it will grow

KATHY McLEISH: Jack Connolly says before buying the property he had extra searches done to ensure there were no easements or unknowns that would affect their long term plans.

JACK CONNOLLY’S WIFE: Did the mail come?

JACK CONNOLLY: Yes and I think we’ve got the information.

(JACK CONNOLLY SPEAKS WITH KATHY McLEISH)

JACK CONNOLLY: We even intended to be brought out of here in wooden boxes, but that was before.

KATHY McLEISH: The Queensland Government owned Energy Company Powerlink wants to run a high voltage transmission line through their property and eight and a half kilometres of their neighbours’ properties.

JACK CONNOLLY: Breaks our heart I’ve put my life on hold, I’ve put my business on hold I put my family on hold. We’ve got to just try and get this thing out of our life but if it does proceed it’s going to destroy not only our lives but nobody really wants to be anywhere near this obtrusive development.

(FOOTAGE OF PEOPLE WORKING ON EMISSIONS)

KATHY McLEISH: The land owners are now working on a submission to fight the move. They say though the environmental process is supposed to be centred on community consultation the process has been difficult and at times bordered on obstructive.

JACK CONNOLLY: Whatever we’ve asked they’ve just given a very generic reference: So the fact that they made it hard to access has just been more and more stress put on people.

KATHY McLEISH: Locals say there is a reasonable koala population in the area, but it’s never been mapped by the environment department.

JACK CONNOLLY: We’ve got documented evidence of koala, we’ve got photos of the koala here, we’ve got scratch trees, we’ve got scats, GPS recordings of every scratch tree we found and basically they just say that it is not high value koala habitat.

KATHY McLEISH: They say the habitat of the Richmond Birdwing butterfly will also be affected. Property prices have also been hit some falling as much as $400,000. Locals now fear for their businesses. Conservationist Simon Baltais says there are reasons for concern.

SIMON BALTAIS, QUEENSLAND CONSERVATION: 390 land species and 111 plant species are going to be directly or indirectly potentially impacted by this development. That is a lot of biodiversity that’s going to be impacted. And whether through direct clearing of habitat or reducing canopy which impacts microclimates which impacts a whole range of other species there will be impacts it’s just a matter how severe and how many but this is something we don’t have to do.

KATHY McLEISH; The powerlines action group paid $10,000 to have an independent energy engineer develop an alternative plan.

(JACK CONNOLLY SPEAKS WITH KATHY McLEISH)

JACK CONNOLLY: What we’re talking about in page is saying is not coming down this 18.6ks at all and coming off a family federal and across about 6.3klms to a substation site. What we’re saying is there’s a much cheaper better and doable alternative and using common infrastructure corridors where the land is already fragmented and there’s no social or environmental impact.

KATHY McLEISH: The group argues it’s the cheapest option.

JACK CONNOLLY: Powerlink drew a line on the map and they’ve been defending that drawing of the line rather than seriously looking at what we’ve been saying.

KATHY McLEISH: Powerlink says it has done exhaustive studies and the best option is the one that goes through the properties.

(KATHY McLEISH SPEAKS WITH GORDON JARDINE, POWERLINK)

KATHY McLEISH: The lines will be installed by helicopter but the pillions will be installed from the ground so there will be impact on the habitat won’t there.

GORDON JARDINE, POWERLINK: What we do is try and minimise the amount of clearing we have to by selectively locating these towers and bringing the conductor above the canopy. In relation to alternatives we will always look at alternatives that are put forward in terms of assessing them. There has been an alternative put forward into this latest round of consultation. We’ve only received that a week ago. It’s quite premature to be commenting on the merit or otherwise of that but that will have to be assessed.

KATHY McLEISH; The landholders say a representative should have met with a community group to discuss alternatives.

GORDON JARDINE: Well the way we’d go about this is dictated by the process under the sustainable planning act which has a structured process in terms of various times when we seek submissions and when we respond to those submissions so we’ve done that and then we do all these other things these 4,500 contacts the property owners on top of that.

KATHY McLEISH: Local member David Gibson says this issue shows it’s clearly time for regulations and environmental approval processes to be updated.

DAVID GIBSON, MEMBER FOR GYMPIE: Powerlink have been doing what they’re legally required to do and you know you can say well that isn’t enough but that’s all you know they’re obliged to do. I think what we’ve got to see is a real shift in the way in which Governments and Government owned corporations actually engage in their communities.

KATHY McLEISH: The final decision lies with the Environment and Resources Minister.

JACK CONNOLLY: We believe that we’re going to give them a bit of a shakeup the fights not over yet. They don’t know what’s coming but when they find out when they start reading I think they will be even surprised.

http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_QLD/CurrentEPetition.aspx?PetNum=1290

Thanks for all of your support.

Petition Details

Subject: Proposed construction of high voltage overhead power lines by Powerlink from Ridgewood to Eerwah Vale
Eligibility: Queensland Residents
Sponsoring Member: Peter Wellington MP

TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the Community’s total opposition to the construction of the proposed 270 KVA overhead transmission lines that will destroy the unique and fragile environmental corridor of Ridgewood to Eerwah Vale. The terrain of this corridor is not fit for purpose and will be a safety issue for residents, maintenance and emergency workers. It will affect the valuable tourist industry by the permanent and obtrusive high voltage towers through this beautiful landscape. The House should note that the proposed construction totally contradicts the Government ‘Q2′ plan to reduce our carbon footprint and to protect our lifestyle and environment by introducing more sustainable methods of supplying electricity to the community. The residents believe the dEIS and the consultation process carried out by Parsons Brinkerhoff who is paid by Powerlink is fundamentally flawed.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to bring pressure to bear on Powerlink not to proceed with this project through its current proposed route but to seek further independent consultation to choose a more appropriate and safer option.

Here’s the link again:  http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/view/EPetitions_QLD/CurrentEPetition.aspx?PetNum=1290

“We’re calling it for what it is – a half-hearted attempt to quell community discontent,” said Dr John Cronin, spokesperson for the Powerline Action Group of Eumundi (PAGE).

“Powerlink are boasting that they’ve given affected residents an extra two weeks, when, in actual fact, people still need to lodge their submissions by Friday’s deadline in order to qualify for the ‘extension’.

“You don’t have a Masters in manipulation see that Powerlink are still hell bent on dissuading people from exercising their right to have a say.”

The lead statement in a Powerlink media release issued yesterday (Friday 8 May) stated: ‘Community members intending to lodge submissions on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Woolooga to Cooroy South [Eerwah Vale] transmission line project now have an additional two weeks to submit supplementary/supporting information relating to their submissions’.

It then states: ‘To qualify for the additional time, submitters must still lodge their submissions on the Draft EIS with environmental consultants PB, on or before the closing date of Friday, 15 May 2009’.

“It’s hardly a showstopper,” said Dr Cronin.

“The steamroller is still stuck in overdrive, which is why it remains as important as ever that people lodge a submission and make their voice heard; even if it’s just to make one point that they feel passionate about.”

PAGE is encouraging people to visit their website at http://www.saveeumundi.org or email contact@saveeumundi.org for assistance in submitting a response.

During the past month, PAGE has fought for local residents’ right to fair community consultation and for a more appropriate time period to respond to the project’s draft EIS – a document intended to justify the project over alternatives, in addition to comprehensively assessing its environmental, social and economic impacts.

Last Saturday (2 May), a 70-strong crowd attending a community meeting at the Eumundi CWA Hall issued a resounding call to Premier Anna Bligh to give local residents a ‘fair go’. The group had also previously written to the Energy Minister Stephen Robertson, after being refused extensions from both Powerlink and commissioned consultancy Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) Australia, which produced the draft EIS.

“I suspect this quasi extension is just some feeble attempt to ‘do the right thing’ in the face of bad publicity,” said Dr Cronin.

“We’d like to know what information is defined as ‘supporting’ or ‘supplementary’, and what criteria, if any, might be used to reject submission components lodged on this basis?”

PAGE, also known as People Advocating Green Energy, is a not-for-profit community organisation committed to promoting sustainable ways to meet the Sunshine Coast’s future energy needs, and to working constructively with the Queensland Government and its agencies to do so.

Since forming 18 months, the volunteer residents group has worked tirelessly to investigate and deliver a viable, sustainable, renewable energy solution to powering the coast into the future – one which is in line with the Queensland Government’s Toward Q2 vision for a greener Queensland and its associated targets, and respects the coast’s environmental integrity, including the former Noosa Shire’s UNESCO Biosphere status – a Queensland first.

“We are proud of what we have been able to achieve, through community action, to bring civic and business leaders, and communities together in an effort to one day make clean, sustainable energies a reality in the power profile of the Sunshine Coast and Queensland,” said Dr Cronin.

“Part of this process has seen the development of a viable non-network alternative, which includes significant ‘bankable’ demand management initiatives and scalable, local renewable solar-thermal generation with storage capacity, plus real employment opportunities for locals through the creation of green jobs.

“Supported by industry and local council, this community is taking on the sustainability challenge and we invite government agencies to not only join us, but to help lead the way.”

For more information on the alternatives and the campaign to date, visit PAGE’s website at htttp://www.saveeumundi.org

Ends

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