Protest over substation development

More than 85 people attend a protest at the site of a proposed electricity substation at Poole Close, Empire Bay, on Tuesday, December 14.

Both State Greens MP Mr John Kaye and Greens councillor Terri Latella attended the protest.

Ms Carolyn Packer of Empire Bay Press said that residents were outraged that due process had not occurred.

She said incorrect and misleading information had been circulated in Energy Australia's Review of Environmental factors.

"Resident's concerns over the impact this construction will have on Cockle Bay Reserve, directly adjacent to the site, as well as the real risk of a fire in this high bushfire risk area has been largely ignored by Energy Australia and Minister for Energy Paul Lynch and Minister for Planning Tony Kelly."

Dr Kaye said: "The people and environment of Empire Bay are about to be dealt a savage blow by an arrogant public utility.

"Energy Australia has ridden roughshod over local residents and refused to listen to their concerns.

"The distributor has ignored a 2003 Land and Environment Court ruling that protects part of the site from development.

"They have paid no attention to the impacts on the approximately 20 threatened species that forage on the site.

"Energy Australia is both the developer and the consent authority.

"The final approval for the project is hardly surprising.

"The community has been shut out of the decision making about their own neighbourhood by a distributor that is exempted from the normal planning requirements.

"When local residents suggested an alternative site that would do much less damage, they were dismissed out of hand.

"Even though locating the substation at Kincumber Sewage Treatment Works would have a far lower impact on the environment and the community, Energy Australia failed to seriously assess this alternative.

"NSW energy minister Paul Lynch has the power to order Energy Australia to stop work and examine alternatives, including investing in energy efficiency and demand management or seriously investigating other sites such as the Kincumber Treatment Works.

"This community has been deserted by its local Liberal member who refused to help them.

"It has been ignored by the Minister despite repeated calls for help.

"It is time for the Minister and the local Member to step up to the challenge of protecting the local community and the environment," Dr Kaye said.

Cr Latella said: "This is a violation of our rights as homeowners.

"This proves we have no rights when it comes to the power brokers in Macquarie St."

The issue was also protested at the United We Stand rally held at Avoca Beach on Sunday, December 12.

Media Release, 14 Dec 2010 John Kaye, Greens NSW Media Release, 14 Dec 2010 Surf Rider Foundation Media Release, 13 Dec 2010 Carolyn Packer, Empire Bay Press