Energex vows to do what it takes
ENERGEX'S Grahams Rd substation project manager Graham Baldwin has assured residents they will spend "what it takes" to help the site look less of a local affront.
Locals who met on site have been left underwhelmed by the results of the $60,000 stage one landscaping designed to help screen the alien-like infrastructure from their eyes.
Mr Baldwin said he would ensure that stage two landscaping, that had a budget of $70,000, would be increased to accommodate extra plantings identified by local residents "to meet community needs".
"We take their point. When you come around the corner there, you still see a bit of a monstrosity. Part of the solution is to do plantings above and beyond," he said.
"The intention is when you turn onto Grahams Rd, you look up and you don't go 'what the hell is that?'
"Irrespective of what's in the budget - as the project manager and ex-carrot grower, potato farmer, cow milker from back in my youth - my word is whatever it takes to get it right."
The agreed plantings will include fast-growing species like bamboo and lily pilly trees on the property of Mandy and Steve Harry next door.
Ms Harry said the irony is that on the day their property sale settled, Energex tree clearers came along Grahams Rd and took out all the mature tress that would have screened the substation, now built off the road.
Mr Baldwin also gave the undertaking that the Sahara-like Energex land beside the substation would be cleaned up and the whole site maintained on a monthly basis.
The Harrys also have complained of excessive noise during recent onsite plant testing, which Mr Baldwin said will be also rectified.
