Property Rights Australia proposes new route amid controversial Powerlink HV line project

A property rights group has revealed an alternate route for high voltage lines to run through state land for the pumped hydro project, but Powerlink has raised a major concern.

Property Rights Australia’s Jim Willmott is calling out for fairer outcomes for residents as Powerlink considers proposed transmission lines for the pumped hydro dam project.

A property rights group supporting communities and landholders potentially affected by Powerlink’s contentious transmission line routes through Gympie and South Burnett have proposed an alternative route.

Property Rights Australia has released its proposed route for the Borumba Dam to Woolooga substation line, marking out almost the entirety of it to run through state land.

“We plotted our way through state land that covers already highly disturbed plantation area,” director Jim Willmott explained.

An alternative transmission line route that would cut through state land rather than private land has been proposed by Property Rights Australia in conjunction with community action groups. Picture: Property Rights Australia

“It is owned by HQPlantations, is state forest and some national park.

“I would say 98% of it is state land, there’ll be a tiny bit of private land as it joins the highway to the north, and once it’s on the highway, there’s plenty of room in that corridor to put it underground all the way to the substation.”

However a Powerlink spokesperson said the alternate route cut through state forest as well as national park.

“National parks are special places which protect and conserve outstanding examples of Queensland's natural environment and cultural heritage,” the spokesperson said.

“We have received feedback about using more state-owned land, such as State Forests. We have also received significant feedback about the importance of protecting areas of high environmental value.”

The transmission lines have provoked extensive public outcry, not only about the proposed routes, but from a lack of communication and consultation.

PRA also put out a statement developed through their own community consultation with action groups from Kilkivan, Widgee and through the Mary Valley.

“Powerlink corridor must be fully sited on state owned land and no individual should be disadvantaged by the corridor unless absolutely necessary,” it said.

Powerlink has provided 29 community information sessions since November, with people turning up to find out their property may be at risk yet given no clear indication of what it might mean in terms of compensation or land loss.

Mr Willmott said with three possible routes the community was left with a feeling of being pitted against each other.

“We really think that Powerlink is playing catch up with their community consultation and have shown disrespect and disregard for people in these communities,” he said.

Jim Willmott, spokesperson and director of Property Rights Australia has been supporting community action groups in their fight against Powerlink's proposed transmission line routes. Picture: Supplied

“No final decisions have been made on the location of the new transmission line or towers. Powerlink is still seeking input on corridor options from landholders, the community and other stakeholders,” a Powerlink spokesperson said.

“We continue to work through a process to consider and balance all relevant environmental, social and economic impacts.”

The pumped hydro dam would be connected to the existing electricity grid at two substations – either Tarong or Halys in the southwest and Woolooga in the north.

To date Powerlink has not released details regarding compensation for affected landholders.

The much-anticipated decision was meant to be announced in March, but the final call has been delayed to April 27, 2023.

Residents concerned about the possibility of the 70-metre wide easement cutting through privately owned backyards and properties are planning a rally in Widgee on March 17.

Powerlink's three proposed transmission line routes between Borumba Dam and Woolooga substation. Picture: Powerlink

PRA is also asking that if freehold land is used, power lines must be placed underground with due compensation, a land use policy must be adopted, as well as a review into Powerlink’s conduct.

“They’ve swung the pendulum too far. We're all about looking after the environment, but we’re all about looking after community cohesion and good social outcomes as well,” Mr Willmott said.

“I don’t think this is happening here.”