Newsletter #18 - The 4 "T's"
To say it’s been an interesting couple of weeks would be a massive understatement. Tariffs , Trump & Tropical Cyclones (3 of the “T’s”) have dominated our daily lives to the extent you would be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t anything else going on in the world.
It turns out that there are a few other things happening that directly impact our local communities. The 4th “T” is TRANSMISSION and while we have been frustrated by the lack of response from EnergyCo and the Government, the VA team has been hard at it. You may not know that we have been meeting weekly to keep on top of the current and future issues in this fight to move the HVTL’s to a more sensible location.
Here's a quick summary of what you need to be aware of in relation to renewables and HVTL’s in our local area.
#1 EnergyCo update:
You probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear we have not received any response at all to our follow up email to EnergyCo CEO Hannah McCaughey (aka The Phantom). We have now forwarded that communication to the press. We’ll see if that approach gets a response. Stay Tuned!
SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS (SIA) - Be aware. The meetings that EnergyCo are setting up to gather data for the SIA (to be included in the environmental impact study EIS). These meetings and data collection are not being carried out in a lawful or open manner. EC’s consultant Umwelt is cherry picking the data being collected. We are seeking legal advice on this. Our advice to you is DONT TAKE ANY MEETINGS. If you do take a meeting please make sure they are recorded and that your objection to the project is very clear.
Chaffey Dam Aerial access- We are still waiting on EC’s report investigating the impact on Aerial fire fighting in the Tamworth region. It should be out in the next few weeks.
#2 Dungowan Pumped Hydro
The Meeting at Ogunbil Hall on 12 March was very well attended. The audience was well behaved and well informed . EDF had 4 reps at the meeting.
The reps were unable to answer many of the questions as it’s such an early stage.
A lot of mention of council involvement in planning by EDF.
Residents are concerned by water issues eg where does the water come from & mitigation measures in case of failure of reservoirs.
Realisation that this is a PRIVATE project. if no one allows transmission lines there is NO PROJECT. You can say NO.
Realisation that the community needs to stand together.
EDF offered upgrades to phone and power lines as sweeteners to the deal but was unable to promise this would actually be delivered.
If you have any questions. Contact the Dungowan Creek Alliance .
Michael Walton, president: 0421-961-808
Dan McArdle, vice president: 0418-165-650
#3 Some Research / Media
Ive included some recent press articles and you tube clips if you want some background into the transition. It will be a hot topic in the upcoming federal election campaign.
Gerard Holland (CEO Page Institute) presenting at the ARC conference https://youtu.be/sRhNOv1Uo4M 15 Mins
Dollars & Destruction : Cedric & Theresse’s story. 5.5 Mins
The Australian - Chris Bowen’s Energy Plan is the definition of Insanity - Graham Lloyd CLICK HERE
AFR - Wind Farm Companies have been arrogant - Simon Holmes a Court CLICK HERE
That’s it for now. Expect another big week of tariff talk and election dates . I hope you managed to get some of the much needed rain that fell over the last week.
Have a great weekend and week ahead
We are stronger together! Say NO to EnergyCo!