Power flow changes force rethink

Jack Connolly left with Noosa MP Glen Elmes and Keith Beveridge middle, were in the thick of the fight to prevent Powerlink from putting powerlines through their valley.

Jason Dougherty

The expected upgrade of the high voltage transmission network supplying the Sunshine Coast and Gympie has been delayed for at least five years a Powerlink spokeswoman said.

She said a temporary change in power flows across the Queensland electricity network had caused the delays and scrapping of major programs.

“Following feedback received about the recent announcement, Powerlink has written to landowners and stakeholders this week to further clarify that the need for the network upgrade has been deferred and that the project known as Woolooga to Eerwah Vale has been terminated,” she said.

Powerlink intends initiating a new corridor and substation site selection process that will require another environmental impact statement.

“That future process will include the assessment of a broad range of route options, considering the prevailing conditions in the area and the current legislative framework,” the spokeswoman said.

“Powerlink would like to advise the extensive information gathered as part of the terminated Woolooga to Eerwah Vale project, including information provided in submissions to the notice of proposed Ministerial Designation, issued in May 2010, will be kept on file as background information to help inform any future Powerlink activities in the region.

“This includes the process of redoing the corridor and substation site selection process, and the maintenance of existing transmission line easements.”

She said Powerlink would continue to work directly with landowners to answer any questions about the termination.

In the letter sent out to residents, Powerlink’s network development manager Terry Miller said: “It means Powerlink no longer has an interest in, or specific plans for, the properties in this section affected by the proposed alignment”.