Appalled at destruction

I am appalled at the destruction of land and vegetation taking place on the Energy Australia substation site at Poole Close.

For its protection, this land was placed under a covenant in 2003 by the Land and Environment Court, with restriction on permissible uses of the site.

Energy Australia has totally ignored this ruling and the concerns raised by local residents. The site has provided a wildlife corridor for bird and bat species, the water course from Bouddi Ridge to Cockle Bay and is home to native animals and rare vegetation.

Communication by Energy Australia has been sparse and often non-existent to affected local residents, businesses and schools.

At brief meetings with the community, Energy Australia merely showed their plans for the site and ignored requests for the relocation of the substation to a more suitable site at Kincumber.

According to Energy Australia, problems raised by the community concerning the single road access, bushfire hazards, and the proximity of high voltage power lines to nearby schools, service station and homes have been covered by their planning.

Members of the community have worked very hard to redress this situation, including a petition to the NSW Parliament and many hours of legal investigation and research into the environmental impacts on the site.

In a recent statement, Energy Australia state they will meet increasing demand for power, and reduce blackouts across the region.

Around Empire Bay and the lower part of the Peninsula, blackouts are rare and occur mainly with heavy winds and storms.

In effect, Energy Australia has stated that they intend to override laws and honest objections.

Email, 15 Feb 2011 Charlotte Story, Empire Bay