PAGE has asked the Bligh Government for “a clear statement that the Sunshine Coast’s future energy needs be delivered via renewable energy and demand management providing the Bligh Government with a clear opportunity to show it is serious in tackling energy provision in an environmentally responsible manner – the last week of this election gives the Government the perfect opportunity to do this.”

Ever since the CEO of Powerlink wrote to Mr. Geoff Wilson, Minister for Mines and Energy suggesting that PAGE were “deceitful and dishonest”, PAGE have had disappointment after disappointment in their dealings with the Minister. No answers to the questions raised in our letter (dated 20 February 2008) to Mr. Wilson have been received. After 6 months of waiting the Minister finally afforded PAGE a meeting, at which PAGE were told to come up with an alternative within only 4 weeks. The other concerns of the community, raised in our meeting with the Minister regarding the consultation and environmental impact assessment have also been ignored.

With all the resources at the DME and Powerlink’s disposal, it was left for the small community group to come up with a proposal. This proposal was submitted but the reply from the Minister does little to inspire confidence that the Minister and his department are interested in delivering any solution other than Powerlink’s pre-determined power line proposal.

It is also disappointing to see ALP campaign rhetoric once again referring to Queensland as aspiring to be “the solar state” of Australia, yet we continue to see little willingness to progress towards achieving this goal, when there is a solar option on the table that could be further developed to meet their needs.
PAGE has been asking the government to look at alternatives to Powerlink business as usual proposal since August 2007 – 18 months later they are still dragging their heels when they have an active and engaged community wishing to help find solutions to the energy requirements of the Sunshine Coast, and where the Sunshine Coast Regional Council have a mandate for cleaner greener alternatives.

Queensland, despite the rhetoric, lags well behind other countries and is a long way behind New South Wales in implementing clean energy alternatives, demand management and feed-in tariffs.

For more information on the alternatives and the campaign to date visit PAGE’s website www.saveeumundi.org

You can see on the following Google Map how close these koalas are to the proposed transmission line. (click on the map to enlarge)

Surely the State Government want to protect prime koala habitat rather than destroy it with high powered voltage lines.

More Information at the Australian Koala Foundation

To read more about the Federal Governments recent actions with the Australian Koala Foundation please click through to their website here – www.savethekoala.com.

And if you too want the Koala saved – have a look at the most recent campaign of Koala Campaigners and what you can do now.

Related Articles:

Queensland Government ‘Slap-dash’ Mapping Set to Fail Koala

Anger over koala ‘hypocrisy’

More information and background can be found on their website (www.scec.org.com).

Details specifically in relation to PAGE and the Powerlink proposal are highlighted in blue below.

LOG OF CLAIMS

1. ACT TO ACHIEVE A SAFE CLIMATE
Build a clean energy future in Queensland

1. Mandate a Queensland Renewable Energy Target that introduces minimum renewable energy targets for the uptake of wind (15%), solar (15%) and geothermal (10%) energy by 2020.

2. Introduce an Energy Efficiency Plan aimed at 30% saving in energy consumption from households and industry by 2020 including new minimum building standards for residential (7 star) and commercial (5 star) AGBC ratings.

3. Urgently reduce the State’s Contribution to global and national ghg emissions.

4. Provide ongoing incentives, including rebates, to support renewable energy uptake for new and existing residential & commercial premises.

5. Provide incentives to encourage transition to a green economy.

6. Immediately introduce a gross Feed-in Tariff for solar PV and other small scale renewable generation; and until a National scheme is adopted accelerate the uptake of solar and heat pump hot water systems, solar PV systems, energy efficient lighting and insulation in commercial, industrial and residential buildings through regulatory requirements and State rebate schemes.

7. Divert government subsidies from the coal industry to the renewable energy sector for research, development, implementation and employment creation.

8. Introduce a legislated ban on uranium mining in Queensland.

IN ADDITION…

9. The Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) as a member organisation of, and with the support of SCEC, opposes the construction of Powerlink’s proposed Woolooga to Eerwah Vale transmission line and substation project and demands an immediate halt to the project for the following reasons:

a) There are viable alternatives to this project including local renewable energy, bankabledemand management and embedded generation options proposed.

b) The alternative proposals will provide local jobs on a sustainable and ongoing basis.

c) The Powerlink proposal does not fit with the communities, SCEC’s or the Sunshine Coast Regional Council vision of sustainable development.

d) Powerlink’s proposal will add significantly to the carbon footprint of the Sunshine Coast.

e) Powerlink proposal cuts through the Noosa Biosphere, prime agricultural and tourism areas with significant flora and fauna habitat.

f) The project represents unacceptable social impacts.

g) Urgently reconsider plans for new power lines on new easements on the Sunshine Coast as indicated in the SEQIPP.

2. BIODIVERSITY – Flora and Fauna

10. No net loss of vegetation.

11. Strengthen the Vegetation Management Act 1999 by:

a) Removing the exemptions to prevent clearing and logging of remnant and regrowth of high value for soil, water and biodiversity conservation, across all land tenures and introduce bio-carbon incentives for protecting other vegetation.

12. Legislative protection of vegetation for all koala habitats.

13. Adopt the koala mapping conducted for the Caloundra area and endorsed by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in July 2008 to be reflected in the Draft South-East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031.

14. Release funding to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and key stakeholders to complete vital, local level koala habitat mapping projects.

15. Mandate best practice and installation of fauna crossings on road and rail infrastructure funded by the proponent.

PROTECTED AREAS

16. Expand National Park and Reserve Systems, incorporating critical biodiversity links, throughout the region accompanied by a 10% annual increment in all budgets for monitoring and management of protected areas on state, private and Indigenous lands to keep pace with rising costs and an expanding estate.

17. Increase grants to Local Government for conservation land acquisition.

18. Increase landowner partnership grants and subsidies for conservation initiatives and pursue public/private ownership arrangements with dedicated funding for conservation areas.

19. Increase the broader conservation estate and maintain the ecological values of existing conservation estates by excluding incompatible recreational and tourism activities.

20. Support urban Land for Wildlife partnerships.

21. Support the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to prepare a Sunshine Coast Regional Biodiversity Strategy which has regulatory status Sunshine Coast Region.

FORESTRY

22. Amend the Integrated Planning Act 1997 and the Vegetation Management Act 1999 to restrict ‘native forest harvesting’ in ‘of concern’, ‘endangered’ and high conservation value ecosystems and dramatically improve the Code of Practice and compliance across all regional ecosystems.

23. Maintain the existing South East Queensland Regional Forest Agreement in its entirety.

WEEDS AND INVASIVE SPECIES

24. Increase funding for Pest Management to community groups and local governments for coastal and hinterland areas.

25. Ban the importation of potentially feral fauna and flora with regulations to ensure protection of endemic species.

MARINE

26. Declare Marine Park status from the Pumicestone Passage to the Great Sandy Strait.

27. Actively protect the RAMSAR areas and adjacent sites of the Pumicestone Passage with legislative protection status and increase enforcement of compliance.

28. No rollback of protection zones for the Great Sandy Strait and Moreton Bay Marine Parks and commit to increasing ‘green’ and ‘no take’ zones.

29. Amend the State and Regional Coastal Management Plans to include climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

30. Amend the Integrated Planning Act to require Councils and State decision makers to adhere to State and Regional Coastal Management Plans, rather than merely “have regard to” them.

RIVERS AND WATERWAYS

31. Amend the Integrated Planning Act 1997 to ensure watercourses are given appropriate protection in local planning schemes or state regional plans.

32. Introduce and enforce laws to regulate run-off from urban, agricultural and industrial development including improved best practice compliance by State agencies.

33. Support River Plans for the Maroochy and the Mooloolah Rivers.

34. Support the listing of the Noosa River as a ‘Wild River’.

WETLANDS

35. Regulate to protect wetland vegetation communities and ecosystems on a local level from development and impose extensive buffer zones for damaging activities.

3. WATER

36. Cancel all major proposed dams and weirs, such as Traveston Crossing and the Northern Interconnector Pipeline Stage 2.

37. Reintroduce a HomeWaterwise (equivalent or better) program, including ongoing domestic and commercial rainwater tank rebates.

38. Establish a sustainable water supply strategy based upon the identified carrying capacity of the Sunshine Coast region.

39. Apply a State Planning Policy mandate for new developments to achieve an 80% reduction in demand for potable water and incorporate decentralised, integrated water cycle management systems, including water recycling.

40. No extraction of groundwater from Fraser Island.

41. Reduce the amount of water taken from Teewah Creek, a major tributary of the Noosa River, to ensure the ecological impacts on the Noosa River and adjoining ecosystems are negligible.

42. Invoke a moratorium on existing and proposed ground water extraction operations to fully assess the environmental impacts.

4. PLAN FOR A LIVEABLE COMMUNITY FUTURE FOR:
SUSTAINABILITY, CLIMATE CHANGE AND A LOW CARBON ECONOMY

43. Commit to developing a Sustainable Population Strategy for Queensland, which stabilises Queensland’s population in the short term to an ecologically sustainable level and maintains our quality of life.

44. Immediate investigation required into carrying capacity and population projections to fully inform the Draft SEQRP 2009-2031 – bottom up assessment.

45. Amend the Integrated Planning Act 1997 and ensure that it, and all regional development plans require assessment of carrying capacity, resource and population limits based upon agreed sustainability indicators and consideration of social, economic, environmental and transport issues.

46. No development on biophysically constrained lands such as floodplains.

47. Retention of agricultural lands for food security and re-localistion.

48. Infrastructure demonstrating sustainability principles in place prior to development i.e. not just ‘more roads’.

49. Adoption of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council Growth Management Position Paper July 2008 and the vision to be “Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant, green and diverse” recognised.

50. Set a transition strategy in place to move away from polluting industry to clean and modern industries and introduce a green jobs program to provide regional and local employment opportunities.

51. Develop and fund a Climate Safe Communities Program that identifies inappropriate development (canal estates, flood prone coastal plains and zones), advises state and local government on climate impacted vulnerable lands, provides funding for community-based adaptation measures and additional support for emergency services.

52. A statutory regional and coastal planning framework which also includes constraint mapping, climate adaptation prohibitions and accountable sustainability performance indicators should be immediately introduced.

53. Publicly disclose accurate costing and externalities of all new required infrastructure and services and detail which sector bears the costs associated.

54. Revise the Sustainable Housing Code to set a minimum 7 star rating for new dwellings, substantially increase financial support for energy and water efficiency in low income households and set minimum standards for all rented accommodation.

55. Ensure necessary local government development assessment, due process and relevant town planning schemes and intents are not undermined by ‘fast track’ development pressures.

5. PUBLIC TRANSPORT and ACTIVE TRANSPORT

56. Bring forward light rail from Caloundra to Maroochydore and utilise fast train technology for the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane line.

57. Ensure public transport is upgraded in line with community expectations; and . . . .

58. Assist with the transition from private motor vehicle to more sustainable transport modes.

59. Provide infrastructure funding to encourage and facilitate active transport modes i.e. pedestrianism and cycling.

60. Major town centres and developments must offer integrated transport options prior to staged development.

6. WASTE MANAGEMENT

61. Support the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and community to facilitate the development of a new and sustainable Sunshine Coast Regional Waste Strategy in line with the principals of the Environmental Protection (Waste) Policy 2000 and the Council and community vision of being Australia’s most sustainable region.

7. OPERATIONAL

62. No cuts to the already limited funding of external environment organisations, frontline Environmental Protection Agency staff and conservation programs through the proposed LNP 3% Productivity Dividend.

The following letters outline and show what the Bligh government’s actual response is to alternative energies that have been proposed by the community group PAGE.

Ever since the CEO of Powerlink wrote to Mr. Geoff Wilson, Minister for Mines and Energy suggesting that PAGE were “deceitful and dishonest”, PAGE have had disappointment after disappointment in their dealings with the Minister. After 6 months of waiting (initial request 20 February 2008) the Minister finally afforded PAGE a meeting, at which PAGE were told to come up with an alternative within only 4 weeks. With all the resources at the DME and Powerlink’s disposal, it was left for the small community group to come up with a proposal. This proposal was submitted but the response received (below) does little to inspire confidence that the Minister and his department are interested in delivering an alternative solution.

It is also disappointing to see the ALP campaign rhetoric once again referring to Queensland as aspiring to be “the solar state” of Australia, and we continue to see little willingness to progress towards becoming a solar state, when we have a solar option on the table that could be further developed to meet their criteria.

PAGE has been asking the government to look at alternatives to Powerlink business as usual proposal since August 2007 – 18 months later they are still dragging their heels when they have an active and engaged community wishing to help find solutions to the energy requirements of the Sunshine Coast, and where the Sunshine Coast Regional Council have a mandate for cleaner greener alternatives.

Queensland despite the rhetoric lags well behind other countries and is a long way behind New South Wales in implementing clean energy alternatives and feed-in tariffs. (http://www.saveeumundi.org/2009/03/doing-green-business-in-nsw/)

Letter 1: PAGE letter (9 December 2008)

Letter 2: Department of Mines and Energy reply to PAGE’s 8 December letter (19 February 2009)

Letter 3: PAGE’s reply to DME (16 March 2009)

Letter 3: PAGE’s reply to DME (16 March 2009)

Your Ref: ME/08/2972, MC2046
Our Ref: February 19, 2009

Honorable Geoff Wilson MP
Minister for Mines & Energy
Level 17
61 Mary St
Brisbane QLD 4000
March 16, 2009

Dear Mr. Wilson,

RE: Sunshine Coast Energy Alternatives

Thank you for your reply, 19th February 2009, to our letter of 10th December 2008, in which we attached one feasible alternative to Powerlink’s transmission and substation proposal, as requested by the Minister in our August meeting.

However, your department’s reply contains several disappointing references which are of concern to PAGE  and the community as they appear to indicate and confirm community opinion that Powerlink controls the Department’s viewpoint and hence Government action on energy development in Queensland.

Q2 Targets and Powerlink’s Solution

Clearly, this Powerlink proposal is ignoring recent statements by both yourself and Ms. Bligh who are publicly seeking, correctly, to address and give direction to greener, sustainable energy generation to reduce Queensland’s carbon emissions. .

The Bligh Government’s goal of a 33% reduction in Queenslanders’ carbon footprint, by 2020, which is to be achieved by “reduced car and ‘electricity’ use” {Toward Q2}, will not be possible without changing the present reliance on coal fired generation and transmission. It appears that the Bligh government’s plan relies primarily on the success of this one technology. Can you detail the specific plans and projects that will deliver on this Q2 goal, bearing in mind that the Powerlink project will be facilitating an estimated additional 400,000 t CO2-e by 2020?

As you, Minister, have said “we cannot keep on as business as usual”. This however is precisely what the Powerlink project is proposing the Bligh Government does. Leaving your Government saying one thing and Powerlink doing another.

The Alternatives

The Sanctuary Energy proposal is an opportunity for the Bligh government to ensure that innovative proposals continue to be advanced and developed. The tone and content of your Department’s response appears to PAGE to be condescending, arrogant and dismissive. Minister, if you genuinely wish the community to be involved in a constructive capacity in delivering a better Queensland your Department’s response does nothing to move the process forward in achieving your stated aims or the community goals in this matter.

Improving energy management strategies and using the rapidly advancing technology of sources such as household PV and solar thermal generation are amongst the 21st Century solutions to responsibly match energy needs with environmental issues. Powerlink’s bulldozing through the Noosa Biosphere will result in the destruction of important natural wildlife and flora habitat, including prime koala habitat. It will also destroy the visual amenity of one of the Sunshine Coast’s tourist destinations, with resultant economic loss to the Sunshine Coast already under severe stress from the current economic crisis.

Leadership and Vision

Even more reprehensible on the Bligh government’s part, should they proceed with this project, will be their missed opportunity to provide clear leadership towards a cleaner, greener Queensland. To build this line on the new easement proposed, condemns the Sunshine Coast to “black power” [e.g. coal fired] usage for the next 30 years and undermines the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s aim of being the most sustainable region in Australia.

To plan for more than 30 years hence with coal fired dependency is ecologically, economically and socially irresponsible given the major uncertainty in the energy sector – it is more prudent to develop in a staged manner, matching supply with proven demand, as it arises.

PAGE expects the Minister to provide leadership in setting energy policy and to follow this through with actions on the ground to back up the current rhetoric.

Response Timeframes

PAGE notes Mr Crowther’s drawing our attention to the extra time taken for the submission of a clean green alternative proposal from the community.  Indeed a four week period was nominated at our August 26, 2008 meeting with the Minister. While the Sanctuary Energy proposal had progressed well by that date, we believe that the brief extra time has provided the Minister with a reliable and credible proposal now.

Comparing the time that Powerlink claim they have been planning this upgrade (since the 1970’s), the resources available to the Minister and Powerlink and the resultant business as usual solution proposed, that lacks innovation, ignores climate change imperatives, has not seriously considered alternatives and delivers a solution which does not meet community expectations, PAGE believes that the Ministers repeated references to a four week deadline does your Department and you no credit and suggests a lack of genuine interest in receiving credible alternatives.

Action Now

As a community group, we are pleased to assist the Minister and his Department in showing Powerlink that 21st century solutions can be designed. We expect the Minister to ensure that this proposal is not summarily discarded. As your Department has said, refinements and development will be ongoing. Confirmation that the Minister is indeed serious about delivering cleantech solutions would be welcome.

Indeed a clear statement that the Sunshine Coasts’ future energy needs be delivered via renewable energy and demand management provide the Bligh Government with a clear opportunity to show it is serious in tackling energy provision in an environmentally responsible manner – the last week of this election gives the Government the perfect opportunity to do this.

Has the Minister demanded that Powerlink seek other local clean energy proposals to seriously compare them against their preferred solution? Is this the reason that the EIS has been delayed by many months, despite the significant resources available to them?

Examination of previous projects appears to indicate that Powerlink usually leave this too late into the process for possible proponents to respond with credible alternatives.

Powerlink and the community

We are also concerned that your department seems to be content to allow Powerlink to control the agenda under the guise: “we need infrastructure”, to the extent that rights and expectations to have fair consultation and involvement of the community impacted by these decisions are disregarded by Powerlink. We continue to maintain that Powerlink’s consultation process is a farce. We are still waiting for a response to our briefing note provided to the Minister in August 2008 regarding the consultation process and the approach that Powerlink have had towards this community from the CEO down to the consultants on the ground.

We look forward to your prompt response and can only hope that as timeliness appears to be important to you and your department that a response is provided more quickly than has occurred in the past.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Smith,
Coordinator,
P.A.G.E.

CC:    Hon Peter Wellington MP
Mr. Cameron Crowther, Dept. of Mines and Energy

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Letter 2: Mines and Energy reply to PAGE’s 10 December letter (19 February 2009)

Queensland Government
Office of Minister for Mines and Energy

19 February 2009

Mr Graham Smith
Coordinator
Powerlines Action Group Eumundi Inc.
PO Box 950
COOROY QLD 4563

Dear Mr Smith

I refer to your letter of 12 December 2008 and the accompanying Report by Sanctuary Energy addressed to the Honourable Geoff Wilson MP, Minister for Mines and Energy concerning Powerlink Queensland’s proposed Woolooga to Cooroy South transmission line. The Minister has asked me to respond on his behalf.

In September 2008, the Honourable Anna Bligh MP, Premier of Queensland outlined her Government’s long-term vision for Queensland in Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland. Q2 creates bold targets that will drive Premier Bligh’s vision for a strong, green, smart, healthy and fair Queensland.

The Bligh Government welcomes your thoughts and ideas on how Queensland should head Toward Q2. For more Information on Q2, please visit www.towardq2.qld.gov.au.

At the 26 August 2008 meeting regarding potential alternatives to the proposed Woolooga to Cooroy South transmission line, I note that the Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) advised the Minister it would formulate a commercially-viable, non-networked alternative to the proposed new Woolooga to Cooroy power line project in line with the requirements outlined in the Department of Mines and Energy’s technical information paper. It was also agreed that a draft proposal would be provided within  four weeks This information was received on 12 December 2008.

The Queensland Government has a strong commitment to ensuring the reliability, affordability and security of electricity supplies to the region are maintained. To this end, it is important that any proposal meet the longer term energy needs of the region. In particular, the technical information paper provided to PAGE advised that the proposed alternative solution would need to start in the summer of 2014 -15, and progressively increase to 75 megawatts (MW) over the 10-year period to 2024-25. It will then need to increase to 140 MW by 2034-35, 240 MW by 2044-45 and continue to increase to an estimated 425 MW by the end of the 40 year study period.

The scope of Sanctuary Energy’s position paper is limited to the first 10 years of demand forecasts, and does not address the region’s long-term energy needs (i.e. 40 years) that were identified in the technical information paper. As a result, further refinement of the position paper is required before a comprehensive assessment of the proposed alternative can be made.

I further note that the concept proposed by Sanctuary Energy relies on the development and undertaking of a number of feasibility studies in order to establish the commercial viability of the project. These studies will take up to 24 months to complete. This time frame may be problematic given the need to ensure electricity supplies to the region by 2014 – 15. It is suggested that further consideration be given to reducing the timeframe required to undertake the feasibility studies.

I have forwarded a copy of Sanctuary Energy’s position paper to Powerlink Queensland for their consideration. I understand that Powerlink Queensland will liaise with Sanctuary Energy to further discuss the proposed alternative solution including its suitability to meet longer term energy demand and timing requirements in line with the technical information paper

I understand that PAGE has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister to discuss the position paper from Sanctuary Energy. A meeting with the Minister would be most beneficial once further refinement of the position paper and proposal and discussions with Powerlink Queensland have been undertaken. I would also encourage PAGE to provide feedback on Powerlink Queensland’s draft Environment Impact Statement (EIS). The draft EIS will be published for community consultation in the first quarter of 2009.

The Minister thanks you for bringing this matter to his attention and trusts this information is of assistance. Should you have any further enquiries, please contact Mr Robert Barton of the Office of Clean Energy on telephone 3227 7570.

Yours sincerely

CAMERON CROWTHER
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of the Honourable Geoff Wilson MP Minister for Mines and Energy

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Letter 1: PAGE letter – (10 December 2008)

Your Ref: ME/08/2972, MC2046
Our Ref: 9th December 2008
Honorable Geoff Wilson MP
Minister for Mines & Energy
Level 17
61 Mary St
Brisbane QLD 4000
Dear Mr Wilson,

I refer to your letter dated 14 October 2008 concerning Powerlink’s proposed Woolooga to Cooroy South transmission line and the meeting on 26th of August, 2008, between Powerlines Action Group Eumundi Inc (PAGE) and yourself.

Subsequent to this meeting, PAGE now confirms that at least one commercially viable alternative option to the proposed network augmentation has been identified and discussions undertaken with regard to others.

The identified alternative option is commercially viable and would deliver reliability and security of supply to Sunshine Coast households and businesses within the required timeframes, while meeting the environmental agenda of the QLD state Government . A detailed paper on this alternative is attached for your information. It outlines a solar thermal renewable generation plant complemented by a range of distributed energy and demand management options that would deliver reliable “bankable” peak demand management to mitigate the forecast peak demand in the area. Furthermore, with the addition of thermal storage capability this alternative would provide reliable “bankable” base load generation.

To identify this alternative, PAGE worked with Sanctuary Energy who facilitated a consultation process with numerous stakeholder including Energex, Powerlink, the Department of Mines & Energy (DME), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Through this process Energex and Powerlink have been cooperative in exploring potential alternatives and have provided support to Sanctuary Energy’s proposal for a solar thermal alternative.

Sanctuary Energy is an incorporated electricity Retailer established for property developers to optimise and integrate services and energy infrastructure from initial project planning to development, operation and subsequent stage development.

A solar thermal renewable generation alternative is scalable and modular which will allow the plant to increase in size (MW) over time in line with Energex’s projected demand growth between 2014 and 2024. At the same time it will achieve significant capacity increases in the short term to offset immediate capacity requirements. The solar thermal alternative is comparable in cost to other renewable technologies currently available; however, it is more reliable with the addition of storage capability that provides better reliability when demand is high. In addition, solar thermal economies of scale indicate cost efficiencies of 15-25% as the size (MW) of the plant doubles.

The current network augmentation proposal delivers a transport mechanism only. However the solar thermal alternative delivers a renewable solution that also localises the generation source close to the existing distribution network, minimising the impact on the local community. Furthermore local jobs will be created through the development of the solar thermal plant, and opportunities exist to establish a Mirror factory on the Sunshine Coast to supply this plant and other solar thermal plants being developed nationally.

PAGE, through consultation with Sanctuary Energy will continue to engage Energex, Powerlink, the DME, the EPA and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to prepare a submission for the regulatory test.

We seek an urgent follow-up meeting with the Minister to discuss this matter further with a view to finding a path forward that takes into consideration these viable alternatives and which can speed up the deployment of clean energy technologies in Queensland, leading to the establishment of local manufacturing and create new clean energy jobs.

Yours sincerely,

Graham Smith,
Coordinator,
Powerlines Action Group Eumundi

CC: Hon. Peter Wellington, MP for Nicklin
Hon. David Gibson, MP for Gympie
Cllr. Vivien Griffin, Sunshine Coast Regional Council

(Refer to an overview of Sanctuary Energy’s alternative here.)

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The following is the response we received from Garry Claridge (Greens – Nicklin):

Will you:

Question 1: Adopt a policy which mandates sustainable energy development before new network infrastructure?

We have just published our “Sunshine Coast Economic and Jobs Policy”.  (It can be seen on our web-site at http://www.scgreens.org ). This policy includes many points of action for the production of  renewable energy from both “small generators” and “large generators”.  It also speaks of methods and incentives for demand management.

The recommendations from me will be that the capacity of current Coal  Fired Power Generators not be increased and that the network for  distribution not be expanded.

Question 2: Adopt a policy which changes the ALA ’67 to  compensate indirectly affected landowners and give landowners the  right to sell their properties at fair value?

Yes, I certainly will support changes to this Act. The Government has  to compensate at a fair market level for many reasons. They also need  to compensate “indirectly” affected people; the definition of  “indirectly” affected will be set through community consultation.

If the Treasury cannot afford to pay this compensation then the  project does not proceed!

Question 3. Adopt the alternatives proposed to meet the Northern Sunshine Coast’s energy needs – renewable energy & demand management?

The same as the first part of the answer to the first question.

Question 4.  Adopt a policy which prevents the conflict of  interest between developers and their paid environmental consultants?

I believe the policy to prevent this would be based on having the  Consultants appointed by State and Local Governments and the  Community. Hence, a three-way appointment.

The other aspect of the consultancy which, I believe, needs addressing  is a process during project evaluation. In many projects this process  is called “Multiple Criteria Analysis” during this phase many criteria  are identified and allocated rankings of importance. It is at this  stage I believe that community consultation is extremely important.

Question 5.  Oppose the construction of the proposed Woolooga  to Cooroy transmission line and sub-station?

Yes

Some people expressed concern that the Greens are recommending  preferences to the ALP. Only 14 electorates are recommending a  preference for the ALP as #2. The significant majority of electorates,  being 75, are not recommending preferences to the ALP. The leadership  of the LNP were not interested in liaising with the Greens on  preference allocations.

I believe if Rohan Lee is elected he will be a strong voice for  opposing the Powerlink proposal (and the Traveston proposal). Note  that the LNP, as a party, have not rejected the Powerlink proposal!

Thank you for hearing my thoughts on the subject. And, good luck with  your quest. I believe that this issue is a pattern which exists in  “power-over” governments and should be broken to prevent this type of  pain being imposed on any other people.

All the best.

Garry Claridge
0418 366 590
Greens Candidate for Nicklin

The candidates were asked 5 questions relating to the Powerlink 275,000V power line project. Before the meeting the candidates were provided with the 5 questions, background briefing notes and clearly told that “The questions are asked of you as candidates and as representatives of the parties that you are standing for (if applicable) and your answers will be taken as being the policy that you or your party will implement in the next Parliament either in Government or if holding the balance of power, should this eventuate.”  The questions asked were:

Will you:

• Adopt a policy which mandates sustainable energy development before new network infrastructure?
• Adopt a policy which changes the ALA ’67 to compensate indirectly affected landowners and give landowners the right to sell their properties at fair value?
• Adopt the alternatives proposed to meet the N. Sunshine Coast’s energy needs – renewable energy & demand management?
• Adopt a policy which prevents the conflict of interest between developers and their paid environmental consultants?
• Oppose the construction of the proposed Woolooga to Cooroy transmission line and sub-station?

The audience scored by a show of hands whether the candidates answered positively, answered negatively or did not answer the question directly by waffling. The candidate’s scorecard is shown below.

Graham Smith, PAGE Coordinator said after the forum that “it was useful for the community to see where the candidates stand on this key issue for the Sunshine Coast and any sustainable future that it has. It was important to have candidates from both Noosa and Nicklin as this State Government proposal does not stop at Eumundi, but also impacts Noosa and the Biosphere.

The second half of the forum was open for the community to ask any questions of the candidates at the meeting. Complementing the panel for this half of the forum were Gary Claridge (Grn, Nicklin), Glen Elmes (LNP, Noosa) and Kent Hutton (Grn, Gympie). Questions ranged from Traveston Dam, renewable energy feed-in tariffs, unsustainable population growth as well as many more questions on the powerline proposal and the alternatives. Other community groups represented at the forum were the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, Noosa Parks Association, Save the Mary River and OSCAR.

PAGE Coordinator, Graham Smith said “This is a key election for Queensland and especially the Sunshine Coast. Last May’s council elections clearly demonstrated that the community wants a new sustainable approach to energy, water and transport. It is only for four weeks in every three years that the Government actually listens to voters and everyone should use this election as an opportunity to make your voice get heard.”

What: PAGE – Queensland Election Candidates Forum.
Where: CWA Hall, Eumundi
Date / Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm on Saturday 14 March 2009

PAGE's state election candidate forum results

The second half of the forum will be open for the community to ask any questions of the candidates at the meeting. There will be candidates from the electorates of Nicklin, Noosa and Gympie and the major parties and independents will be represented.

PAGE Coordinator, Graham Smith said “This is a key election for Queensland and especially the Sunshine Coast. Last May’s council elections clearly demonstrated that the community wants a new sustainable approach to energy, water and transport. It is vital that the community come along and find out where your candidates stand on these issues. It is only for four weeks in every three years that the Government actually listens to voters and everyone should use this forum as an opportunity to make your voice get heard.”

PAGE was disappointed to hear in our discussions with the candidates in preparation for this forum that the Labor candidate for Nicklin refused to attend the forum and debate the issues with the other candidates or with the community. Labor, however will be represented by Mr. Brian Stockwell, candidate for the Noosa electorate.

Other candidates that have agreed to participate in the forum are Mr. Steve Haines (Grn), Ms. Cate Molloy (Ind), Mr. Steve Morrison (LNP), and Mr. Peter Wellington (Ind). Also attending the forum will be Mr. Garry Claridge (Grn), Mr. Glen Elmes (LNP) and Mr. Kent Hutton (Grn)

As usual PAGE is expecting an excellent turnout to reflect the significant interest and passion generated by this State Government proposal.

What: PAGE – Queensland Election Candidates Forum.
Where: CWA Hall, Eumundi
Date / Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm on Saturday 14 March 2009
Cost: Free

Visit www.saveeumundi.org for more information.

Contact: Graham Smith
Email:  contact@saveeumundi.org

Media Release Date:             6 March 2009

Clearing has been going on for weeks at Cooroy West State Forest, according to nearby resident Mike Tsilfidis who says the area is a known koala hot spot.

The Jorgensens Road man said he was woken by the roar of chainsaws and falling trees almost every day.

“Just because the Government waves around a code of practice booklet its get-out-of-jail-free card doesn’t make it right,’’ he said.

“The Bligh Government claims it is taking action to protect koalas yet continues to rip up trees and wipe out the habitats of not just koalas, but other protected species, such as the giant barred frog.’’

Mr Tsilfidis has been supported by Gympie MP David Gibson and the Koala Foundation.

“Fair enough, we are talking about state forest here, and that has a commercial aspect to it, but it should still be subject to biodiversity studies and treated accordingly,’’ Mr Gibson said.

He accused Premier Bligh of “gross hypocrisy’’ over her tough talk about protecting the koala. He accused the State Government of “desecrating’’ the forest for profit.

In a joint statement issued on August 5, Ms Bligh and Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Andrew McNamara said the government was confronting “a crisis facing koalas in SEQ’’.

Ms Bligh said new research revealed more radical moves were needed to stop the extinction of koalas in the area.

“It would be a tragedy if future generations were unable to see this much-loved animal in the wild,’’ she said. “I have fond memories from my own childhood of seeing koalas in their natural habitats.’’

Her office refused to comment on claims of hypocrisy this week, but Koala Foundation chief executive officer Deborah Tabart did not hold back.

“Ms Bligh is misleading the people with emotive comments about the koala, but not providing real solutions for their conservation,’’ she said.

“What is happening in Cooroy clearly shows the flaw in the Queensland Government’s overview.’’

Mr Tsilfidis and other concerned residents including local MP Peter Wellington have been invited to see the felling operation for themselves on Sunday. Mr Wellington said the group had visited the area once before, at the start of the operation. “They gave a commitment that they wouldn’t take trees from the buffer zone and we want to check they have kept their word,’’ he said.

Neither the Premier’s office nor the State Government’s company, NRW Forest Products, responded to The Noosa Journal’s request for comment.

Source: http://noosa-journal.whereilive.com.au/news/story/anger-over-koala-hypocrisy/

Related Articles:

Koalas photographed close to proposed alignment

Queensland Government ‘Slap-dash’ Mapping Set to Fail Koala

The letter concludes:

“Whilst Powerlink will provide (and in many cases, re-provide) the correct information in its newsletters on this project, I would suggest that the correspondence you receive should be considered in the light of the misleading content of the PAGE handout from which the correspondence may derive.

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