Does the Powerlines Action Group Eumundi (PAGE) really have a case against Powerlink, the government corporation responsible for the construction and maintenance of high voltage transmission lines? There is no question the quality of power supply to the northern end of the Sunshine Coast and hinterland is sub-standard and on the plus side, new high voltage transmission lines will smooth the spikes. On the negative, it will also deliver the infrastructure necessary for the government's desired doubling of population in the area. But wait, there's more...
I personally have been impressed with how Powerlink has engaged the community in other areas, and how it has worked to alleviate community concerns and adapted its plans to fit community requirements. But none of that commendable citizenship is visible to the residents of the community in this case. The relationship between PAGE and Powerlink, founded without consultation, has soured irrevocably.
There are several issues at stake, and I find the PAGE arguments compelling. They raise some important questions for us all.
Firstly, PAGE has documents detailing the easement now claimed over their properties by Powerlink as part of its high voltage transmission infrastructure, that will require clearing of an area 60m wide on some of these properties; that requires multiple access tracks from various directions for maintenance the length of the transmission, each around 8m wide, and that will install high voltage towers within 30m of houses of young families. The easement impacts 20-plus privately owned properties. It begs the question, why? Why this route?
This is not a situation of people buying next to the airport and then complaining about the noise. There was no easement marked over the lots showing major power line infrastructure, until now. What precedent does this set for other projects? What security do any of us have over our own properties, if the government can take easements over whatever part they want?
There is currently a major highway infrastructure upgrade underway that essentially links the same points that this new power infrastructure seeks to do. PAGE is arguing that Powerlink should install the power lines along the new highway upgrade, enabling a much shorter route with significantly less construction and significantly lower maintenance costs with obvious ease of access. From what I understand of the documents I have read, Powerlink argues this is not an option, nor is there any room. PAGE has a letter from Main Roads stating that it is an option and that they would happily work with Powerlink on a combined infrastructure corridor.
"The Department of Transport and Main Roads has no objection to Powerlink running a transmission line in a separate corridor adjacent to the Bruce Highway. Main Roads is working with Powerlink to align some sections of the new Cooroy to Curra highway corridor adjacent to existing Powerlink easements to minimise the cumulative effect on the community. This is the case in the section between Tandur Road, near the Matilda Service Station at Kybong and Six Mile Creek, just south of Gympie."
The only catch is that Powerlink "would need to acquire an additional corridor beside the highway for their high voltage transmission line." I'm guessing this is what makes the option to divert away from the highway to go through pristine forest on privately held land, more attractive. But as the chosen path is over forested, mountainous terrain and makes the loop back to the highway a longer path overall (yes, it rejoins the highway), is this really a less expensive option? And does it take into account the cost to the environment?
The affected properties are in the hills behind Eumundi, with underground springs, creeks and other waterways that form the headwaters of the Maroochy River. Several properties in the line of fire were deemed by the old Maroochy Council to be of such significant ecological importance to the Maroochy River, they were the subject of council waterways rehabilitation and protective planting.
Some hold tracts of untouched forest with 35m+ trees. All hold endangered wildlife, including an apparently healthy population of koalas. The people who bought these properties did so for these reasons. Some have been there decades, some only a few years. All are as one for the environment in which they live, wanting to preserve and protect the land. Most properties in the area are listed as Land for Wildlife - giving them a status of protected reserve under state government legislation. The government's own Land for Wildlife website claims it is a vibrant, progressive program that aims to protect native wildlife and flora for the benefit of future generations. It states: "to-date over 46,000 hectares of habitat for wildlife has been protected with a further 2800 hectares under restoration."
Earth to the Qld government: It is not protected if you allow infrastructure construction in the middle of it. Included below are a handful of photos taken on the properties in Powerlink's path. Click on one to be taken to the complete photogallery. Note the size of the people against the trees in some of the photos. There are 25 photos in all.
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Powerlink argues that it will not impact koalas, as this area is not mapped as koala habitat by the state government. Actually, it appears to have been left off the habitat map entirely. But the state's habitat mapping - which relies on the remote digital analysis of aerial image pixels (pertaining to trees) - bears almost no relationship to the whereabouts of koalas. As the photos above show, regardless of whether the area is mapped as high-value habitat or not, it is without question important koala habitat.
The 60m wide easement, says Powerlink, applies only to the last 8km leading to the substation - right through the middle of these Land for Wildlife properties.
The Qld government has made known its intent and desire to double our population. Powerlink, as a government corporation, has budgetary and political pressures that make this front and centre a state government decision, not one of an independent corporation. How then, can the same state government that has agreed these properties are deserving of protective status, allow the northern most population of the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly and a healthy koala population to be subjected to such extensive earthworks and loss of habitat, at its own hand?
With a doubling of population the government's intent, the situation faced by PAGE - representative of the residents who will soon be forced to live under high voltage towers with a 60m wide clearing through their properties - it seems could be faced by any one of us, at any time.
How is that possible in a democracy? Mostly because the silent majority remains just that. And yes, putting myself in the shoes of residents in Eerwah Vale, West Cooroy and Eumundi, I believe they have a good case against power lines taking a path through their properties.
Resources:
Watch: A video of the area produced by PAGE
Watch: The story on Channel 7
Watch: Beach protest Easter Saturday
To learn more: http://www.saveeumundi.org/powerlinks-project/