We are totally opposed to the construction of the above ground, high voltage, long distance power transmission line proposed by Transgrid to be built from Dumaresq to Lismore. Following is a brief outline of our case, with some references to relevant media articles. (We will be pleased to supply more detailed scientific data if required.)
1.
the use of centralised energy (i.e. transporting electricity long distances from where it is produced to where it is used) is a major, and unnecessary, contributor to climate change - 60% to 70% of the energy is lost in the generation process and further losses (up to 40%) occur during transmission (see "Getting off the Grid", Saturday Extra, Radio National, 2008)
the green house gas (GHG) emissions are not in line with federal or state government policy (National Framework for Energy Stage 2007)
there are existing alternatives which could meet the predicted growth in demand for power in Northern NSW (e.g. a combination of local networks and renewables) which would produce approx. 70% less green house gasses and be more sustainable and economically viable than transporting electricity from centralised coal fired power stations (see "Big Ideas", Radio National, June 2008; SMH “Flicking the Switch” 22 July 2008)
there is considerable scientific research which indicates that serious health risks are associated with the magnetic fields surrounding high voltage power lines (e.g. SMH “Research underlines power line cancer risk” Medical Reporter 22 August 2007)
the property values and quality of life of those people living near the infrastructure will be greatly diminished
2.
Based on the information contained in Transgrid’s Performance Report 2007-08 (PR), Final Report Far Nth Coast (FR), and Application Notice 2008 (AN), we believe that Transgrid has not adequately attended to its objectives and commitments as stated in these reports. We argue that:
Transgrid has not given ‘a description of all reasonable network and non-network options ..’ as stated in the AN section 1.1
the limited time frame for submissions to be received (AN 1.2) and scope of invitations (1.1) is not consistent with section 3.3 of the PR
the requirements of the Regulatory Test are not satisfied if there has not been sufficient effort (see above) to receive submissions based on the known alternatives
there is no record of any Request For Proposals (RFPs) for Demand Supply Management (including non-network) and Local Generation solutions for the Far Nth Coast NSW as proposed in section 3.3 of the PR (www.transgrid.com.au/Demand_Management)
the modelling used by Transgrid to predict future demand (AP Appendix 2) is likely to significantly overestimate this demand as it does not take into account the effects (see NFEE Introduction) of the current policy environment outlined in the National Framework for Energy Efficiency Stage 2 Sep 07:
Australian and State and Territory governments have committed to the introduction of an emissions trading scheme while State and Territory governments have commenced development and implementation of energy efficiency, green house gas emissions and renewable energy targets
In summary: despite the many references to demand management and non-network and local generation alternatives in their yearly Planning and Performance reports, Transgrid, in practice, still substantially bases its approach on that of an outdated, pre GHG emissions control, carbon trading culture.
Given the magnitude and seriousness of the problems outlined above, we are calling for (....suggest MCE, AEM, NSW gov’t, etc) to intervene to stop Transgrid from proceeding with the Far Nth NSW proposal until the alternatives of DM, non-network, and local generation options have been fully explored.
Where barriers do exist, [to the use of clean, renewable alternatives] they are not technical but regulatory and, frequently, they are raised by short-sighted vested interests. They cannot be allowed to jeopardize the future of our cities, and our children. (Allan Jones, engineer and CEO London Climate Change Agency, 2008)
Yours sincerely