That was one of the strongest messages from those who had the opportunity to address the NSW Government inquiry’s public forum on the ‘feasibility of undergrounding the transmission infrastructure for renewable energy projects’ in Deniliquin on Wednesday.
Community members were given one hour to address panel members, after a morning of set hearings, with a handful of the 20 person audience taking up the offer.
While intended to look at an overall approach to renewable energy projects across the state of NSW, each related personal experiences of dealing with Transgrid over the proposed VNI West electricity network to run from near Jerilderie to Kerang.
The same landholders are right now participating in community consultation on the project, which is proposed to connect to Victoria through the erection of several large electricty towers through the agricultural zones of Conargo, Wanganella and Moulamein.
Conargo landholder Sally Dye was the first to speak, saying the early communications process had been dismal.
“We were notfied at the start of July (about the VNI West project), and that was through hearsay,” Mrs Dye said.
“I then attended forums where were told there would be compulsory acquisition whether we liked it or not.
“We then had two people attend our property for more in depth discussions, but it seemed like a waste of time and we understand they are not even considering undergrounding.”
Mrs Dye said the production value of this district would be drastically impacted by the overhead lines, not to mention the way farmers operate their farms and the davaluing of properties due to the “eyesoars”.
Mrs Dye said she also felt little consideration has been given to environmental impacts and farmer safety and fire risks, adding that there appears to be no answers as to who is liable should a fire or other injury occur as a result of the transmission line.
While saying “undergrounding still has its issues”, Mrs Dye said it would be less intrusive than overhead powerlines in many ways.
And she said hiding behind an increased cost for construction does not add up when you account for the amounts that would need to be paid to farmers in compensation.
In putting his case for undergrounding electricity, fourth generation farmer Donald Bull spoke of the 1987 fire which tore through Deniliquin and district and ravages livestock and productive country.
“All our country was burned out, and that was started by a power pole that had blown out and fell over,” he said.
“I never want to see that again.
“If we have a fire water planes will also be restricted.
“We are on open country and you will not stop a fire once it gets going in certain conditions.
“We also use ag planes, and that will be severely impacted.
“We do not want this powerline to go over the top.”
Other concerns raised at the meeting included the impact it would have on the ability to produce, placing further pressure on an agricultural industry still trying to survive in a future with less water.
There are fears it will disincentivise investment in this region and growth, resulting in fewer jobs and therefore fewer businesses and a population decline.
Neil Bull from the Ricegrowers Association highlighted again that it appears the Trasngrid report place little importance on the impact it will have on the rice industry.
“In Victoria, potato farmers are rated as high at risk.
“In this case (in the Transgrid project) rice is not, and I would like to know why?”
Speakers also highlighted that mapping being used by Transgrid does not correctly indicate flood impacts or environmental zones.
They also highlighted that until stakeholders pushed for an extension, they were originally only allowed 11 days to respond to the project. They now have 35 days, until September 8.
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