Energy Australia criticised over community consultation

The Empire Bay and District Progress Association has criticised Energy Australia for its lack of "real" community consultation with its plans to build an electricity substation.

"At no time was the association contacted about this proposal even though we feel our community has a right to know what Energy Australia plans for our area," association president Ms Jan Consoli said.

"Even when Energy Australia sent out 700 letters advising of its information sessions, no one in the village of Empire Bay was informed.

"We know that a new substation is required, but we have real concerns about this location, which is a conservation area that had a positive covenant placed on it by the Land and Environment Court in 2003 to preserve the animal sanctuary and wildlife corridor between Bouddi National Park and Cockle Bay Reserve.

Local resident Ms Claire Wild who lives in the vicinity of the proposed zone substation has also raised her concerns.

"I recognise the need to upgrade the electricity network in our area but this structure is totally inappropriate for the location since it is classed as a conservation and scenic protection zone," Ms Wild said,

"Another site needs to be found such as further down the road at the Kincumber Sewerage Treatment Works.

"We believe Energy Australia is putting pressure on Gosford Council to have the restriction on the use of the land removed.

"We will not accept that any restrictions should be removed from the area because Energy Australia failed to perform due diligence when they purchased the site.

"If the site is not suitable with these restrictions in place they should use one of the other sites they have in the area.

"Lack of setback and screening offered on Poole Cl will make this development an eyesore in the location and all other properties while the height of the fencing will be intrusive in the location.

"Not to mention the fact that the National Parks and Wildlife Service has identified nine threatened species on mapping covering the site.

"A natural watercourse runs across site with ecological growth consistent with wetland characteristics, including swamp mahogany and a major drain/watercourse across the frontage of site that drains into The Cockle Bay Wetlands.

"Health risks cannot be excluded either with too much documentation to ignore the potential risk of childhood leukaemia in children less than 15 years of age in relation to high voltage transmission facilities and the associated high voltage transmission lines."

Ms Wild also criticised Energy Australia for failing to provide written community consultation to the broader Empire Bay community.

"People down in the Empire Bay area, Bensville community and streets off the main thoroughfare, such as Pomona Rd did not receive any written communication," Ms Wild said.

"This severely limits the opportunity for the community to question the development.

"There are houses less than 100 metres from the site that received no early consultation opportunity with Energy Australia.

"This is incredible given the magnitude of this development.

"People should drive over to Willoughby Rd in Terrigal and take a look at the massive concrete bays that will house the transformers.

"No amount of vegetation will compensate for the negative visual impact these will have along the scenic corridor of Empire Bay Dr.

"What is also interesting is that the plans Energy Australia had on display were not the ones put out by council for the community to make submissions on.

"The information given out appeared misleading and to lack transparency."

Clare Graham, 7 Apr 2010 Interviewee: Clair Wild, Empire Bay Press release, 8 Apr 2010 Jan Consoli, Empire Bay and District Progress Association