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News>Council welcomes a powerful win for people
| Media release: 6 August 2009 | |
Cardinia Shire Council has welcomed confirmation by the State Government that powerlines for the Wonthaggi desalination plant are to be placed underground.
Premier John Brumby announced last week that the AquaSure consortium, awarded the contract to build the desalination plant, would be using underground power.
Mayor Cr Bill Pearson said this decision vindicated the stance taken by Council and local residents and community groups including the Power Grid Option Group.
Cr Pearson said Council had maintained from the outset that the project must not be allowed to have any detrimental visual or economic impacts on Cardinia Shire and that underground power was the way to go. He said it was also vital that no damage be done to what are some of the finest horticultural and agricultural soils in Victoria.
“We’ve strongly opposed the prospect of overhead powerlines for the desalination plant being strung up over prime agricultural areas and sensitive environmental zones such as the Koo Wee Rup swamp and National Trust recorded land around Heath Hill,” Cr Pearson said.
“This announcement is terrific news for residents and landholders across Cardinia Shire. We are also thrilled that the power lines will be co-located with a new broadband fibre optic cabling, improving internet access in the area, and a secure local water supply.
“Council has taken a strong lead on this issue and together with many other local people we worked very hard to achieve this result. I am delighted with this outcome.”
Cr Pearson paid tribute to the work of Alan Fraser and Mick Maguire of the Power Grid Option Group and Cardinia Shire Council staff. He also thanked local MPs Johan Scheffer, Luke Donnellan and Matt Viney for their support.
“Council worked in partnership with the Power Grid Option Group and other stakeholders to develop a business case that clearly demonstrated underground power could be achieved at a cost comparable to that of overhead power,” Cr Pearson said.
“We undertook extensive technical and environmental studies that proved underground power was not only cost effective but also had clear economic, social and visual amenity advantages.
“It’s been a long and difficult journey, but I am proud to say we have achieved a great result.”
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