Feedback for Powerlink transmission lines through South Burnett and Woolooga closes

Feedback deadlines draw near for Powerlink’s proposed high voltage transmission lines through the Mary Valley and South Burnett, as residents sign petitions and attend rallies.

Community action groups held a rally against the transmission lines at Widgee Bushman’s Bar earlier this month. Picture: Christine Schindler

Feedback on Powerlink’s proposed high voltage transmission line corridors running through the Mary Valley and South Burnett close this Friday, March 31.

Powerlink transmission lines in Gympie and Burnett explained

News of landholders, farmers and residents needing to saddle the potential transmission network on their land has been met with shock and anxiety.

A total of 668 signatures were submitted on a petition to parliament led by Pamela Townsend of Taromeo and sponsored by LNP Nanango MP Deb Frecklington. The petition closed Monday, March 27, 2023.

It addresses the proposed high voltage transmission routes between the pumped hydro project at Borumba Dam and either Tarong or Halys substations in the South Burnett.

The proposed routes have raised questions over land devaluation and biosecurity for landholders who may need to accommodate the towers, adding more anxiety to the past years of drought, floods, and economic changes.

Widgee cattle farmer Kris Janke stands outside the gate of the paddock of one of the proposed transmission line routes. She says she feels ‘in limbo’ after finding out about the possible transmission lines. Picture: Christine Schindler

If given the green light, the pumped hydro project is expected to power two million homes. It will form the backbone of Queensland’s plan to transition to 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and has the potential to play a significant part in supplying the energy needs of the state.

The petition requests that the transmission lines be “built on existing state-owned land corridors, including state forest, and that all available technology and infrastructure is used to minimise the impact on private landowners, the environment and the impact on traditional owners”.

It says “it is unfair to impose the associated transmission infrastructure on ordinary Queenslanders working hard to raise families, run successful businesses, secure their futures, look after the environment and ensure Australia’s food security”.

Mardi Brady and Sandra Murray stand outside Ms Murray's house in Kilkivan. Both of their properties are on possible transmission line routes. Picture: Christine Schindler

Queensland’s maximum grid demand in 2021-2022 was 10,100MW. The pumped hydro project at Borumba Dam, with a capacity of 2000MW, will be a significant supply for the energy needs within Queensland.

The project also plans to build a high voltage transmission line to the north, connecting the pumped hydro energy supply at the dam through the Mary Valley to the Woolooga substation.

A petition for that transmission line, lodged by Shea Rule of Widgee, closed on February 19, with 2411 signatures.

The petitions have been part of a number of community actions throughout the region, including a rally in March in Widgee and distributing signs visibly opposing the project.

A property rights group put forward a proposal to run the lines almost entirely through state land, which included national parks and state forests.

Powerlink pointed out a reluctance to build through national park as “national parks are special places which protect and conserve outstanding examples of Queensland‘s natural environment and cultural heritage,” a spokesperson said.

Powerlink's three proposed transmission line routes between Borumba Dam and the Woolooga substation that are up for community consultation and feedback. Picture: Powerlink

Conservationists have expressed concern over “the potential impacts of transmission lines on the habitat of threatened species in national park and state forest being considered as potential routes at Borumba,” director of Queensland Conservation Council Dave Copeman said.

“For example Diaper and Squirrel Creek State Forests contain core koala habitat, remnant vegetation and representation of six regional vegetation communities listed as ‘of concern’.”

The recommended draft corridors are expected to be announced on April 27, 2023 by Powerlink. Consultation will continue until the final 70m-wide alignment is decided on. That is expected to be announced in mid-2024 pending approval.

If given final approvals, construction of the transmission lines would begin in 2025 for completion in 2029.

The petition to the state parliament for the Tarong/Halys transmission line closed on Monday, March 27, 2023.

Input into corridor options to Powerlink close on Friday, March 31, 2023, have your say here. 

Originally published as Feedback for Powerlink transmission lines through South Burnett and Woolooga closes