Substation motion lost in parliament

State Greens MP Mr John Kaye says he will continue to fight against a proposed electricity substation at Empire Bay despite losing a motion in State Parliament on April 22.

The motion demanded Energy Australia abandon its plans to build near Poole Cl in Empire Bay and that it investigate a more appropriate site.

Mr Kaye's motion also called on the Minister for Energy to exercise his powers under section 20P of the State Owned Corporations Act, 1989, and act in the public interest since

Energy Australia had "failed to listen to the community's concerns".

"The coalition voted against the motion and I am quite surprised given Chris Hartcher is MP for the area and also Shadow Minister for the Central Coast," Mr Kaye said.

"Their argument was that the site was already near a petrol station and lights would go out if the substation was not built in that central area.

"That is just all nonsense, not to mention the fact that the community was not consulted about the project at all but merely told what was going on.

"We are not giving up and will continue to put pressure on the government to force a location change that does not compromise local residents and the Land and Environment Court covenant.

"The Greens support the local residents and their demand that Energy Australia investigate alternative sites, including the Kincumber industrial area, which is a short distance to the north.

"Premier Kristina Keneally and Energy Minister John Robertson should direct Energy Australia to respect the conservation covenants covering the land and look elsewhere for their substation.

"The overwhelming message from residents is not the design of this project, but its location.

"Residents remain alarmed with the impact of a high voltage substation and associated power lines at the Empire Bay site.

"Construction of the proposed substation and overhead lines would compromise foraging areas used by at least three threatened species.

"The glossy black cockatoos, micro-bats and yellow-bellied gliders use the site.

"The development would interfere with the corridor to the Cockle Bay Wetland used by these gliders and bats.

"Electricity infrastructure in Brisbane Water should be designed to ensure cables are underground, and that substations are sited well away from homes, schools and sensitive environmental areas.

"It is disingenuous for Energy Australia to claim that residents will be consulted on the planning of high voltage power lines.

"The energy distributor has repeatedly shown it has a closed mind on the location of the substation."

Clare Graham, 22 Apr 2010 Interviewee: John Kaye, The Greens Press release, 21 Apr 2010 John Kaye, The Greens