Environmental review to be released soon

Energy Australia's general manager of engineering Mr Geoff Lilliss has revealed that a detailed Review of Environmental Factors for the proposed Empire Bay electricity substation is nearing completion.

Mr Lilliss said the document would be handed over to Gosford Council and open for comment once it was completed.

"This development will help improve reliability for about 6000 homes and business stretching from Empire Bay to Killcare," Mr Lilliss said.

"It will also help meet increasing demand for power in the region.

"Bushland in the special environmental zone will be protected.

"Above all else, the substation will be safe and secure."

Mr Lilliss said the Review of Environmental Factors was expected to be available early next month and included a detailed assessment of any potential environmental impact from the development.

"Submissions will be addressed in the final proposal to be determined under the State Environmental Planning and Assessment Act," Mr Lilliss said.

Mr Lilliss maintained that the Poole Cl site chosen by Energy Australia was the only alternative to build the $50 million substation as it was located at the centre of the area where a power upgrade was needed.

"Two other available sites on Empire Bay Dr were also investigated," Mr Lilliss said.

"Both were unsuitable because of the amount of old growth forest that would need to be removed.

"The Kincumber site nominated as a possible alternative was also investigated.

"It is more than four kilometres away from the centre of the area the substation would serve. "A substation at this location would not improve the supply of power for the area.

"An estimated 11 new high voltage power lines would need to be installed between Kincumber South and the suburbs requiring the power upgrade."

Press release, 18 Aug 2010 Geoff Lilliss, Energy Australia