Entertainment for electricity awareness

The Empire Bay Press community group will host an afternoon of music and entertainment from 2pm at the Empire Bay Tavern on Sunday, October 10, to raise community awareness about the proposed electricity substation in Empire Bay.

Event organiser Ms Carolyn Packer of Empire Bay said the event would be a get together with the local community to promote the relocation of the proposed site.

"Empire Bay Press will rally the locals to continue its demand to relocate the proposed substation in Empire Bay as well as to convince Energy Australia to place all overhead power lines underground," Ms Packer said.

"The afternoon will kick off at 2pm with local outfit Hip Sister featuring Narelle Dawson on guitar and vocals, Jill "Buttercup" Tweedie on bass and Carolyn "Pine Cone" Packer on blues piano and Hammond organ.

"They will be joined by special guest Jack Evans on guitar.

"Hip Sister will then be followed by Sydney blues trio The Jewel Tones featuring Bruce Junior Bongers on saxophone and harmonica, Dave Shaw on guitar and Carolyn Packer on keyboard."

A sausage sizzle and raffles are also planned for the afternoon.

Ms Packer said the last fundraiser was a success with funds going towards legal costs in the fight to save Empire Bay from an electricity substation.

"Ministers are now asking questions on behalf of the residents as to how this land was allowed to be developed when court orders have clearly stated that the grassed area in which Energy Australia plans to build a $53 million dollar substation was to be 'retained'," Ms Packer said.

"The residents believe preservation orders were placed on this parcel of land not only to protect endangered flora and fauna, but also to protect life and property from fire.

"Fire could travel in a north westerly direction and potentially trap the residents as there is no escape route out other than Poole Cl.

"These issues really need to be addressed by Energy Australia if they are serious about respecting communities."

Press release, 24 Sep 2010 Carolyn Packer, Empire Bay Press