We have had enough of: - poor planning and policy decisions - fait accomplis decision making showing absolute contempt for the community and the environment - major projects being rushed through under the radar without due process or due diligence - lack of consultation - our environment is being sold out!
Authorised by Sonia Romeyn, 19 Francis Rd, North Avoca NSW 2260
Protestors Power Up: Court Injunction Sought
STATE Greens MP John Kaye led a protest of more than 80 people outside Energy Australia’s proposed Empire Bay substation amid calls for a court injunction to stop work.
The crowd of residents included Greens Councillor Terri Latella. Cr Latella is calling for Gosford Council to apply for an injunction through the Land and Environment Court to order Energy Australia to stop work on the site.
Energy Australia are planning to start work on the site this week but no Environmental Impact Statement has been completed. This is despite the Land and Environment Court placing a protective covenant on the land, which is a wildlife corridor between two national parks.
“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,” said Cr Latella.
Additionally, one side is Cockle Bay Nature Reserve which is just 20 m from this site has been ruled at high risk for bushfire.
With the Victoria Black Saturday bushfires starting form three ignition points caused by electrical infrastructure, this site selection is ludicrous, residents says.
Additionally, the proposed site is opposite a narrow lane which is the only access for residents fleeing in a fire.
Energy Australia proposed to link the proposed substation to the Avoca Beach substation with updrading of 11Kv lines to 66Kv lines.
Residents from Empire Bay, Bensville, Kincumber, Avoca and Picketts Valley are alarmed by this 600 per cent voltage increase and the possible health ramifactions through exposure to high levels of electromagnetic emissions.
INQUIRIES:
Gosford Councillor Terri Latella: 0439 488 037
Resident Carolyn Packer 0405 776 846
Foundation president Ben Smith was happy with the turnout and said residents were sick and tired of the government “selling out’’ the environment to the highest bidder. “We have had enough,’’ Mr Smith said.
“We are all suffering from one basic theme repeating the same story of lack of adequate consultation, diligence and due process by the government.
“We share disbelief and outrage these things can be thrust upon us. We have had enough of government ineptitude at all three levels local, state and federal particularly the state.’‘
Mr Smith said issues involving Empire Bay substation, sea level rise policy, offshore gas drilling and Jilliby coal mining were high on the agenda. Sand mining at Calga and Peats Ridge, the protection of Kariong bushland and high voltage power lines through Kincumber and Avoca Beach were also discussed.
Ian Cohen’s speech at the United We Stand rally on Avoca Beach on Sunday
