Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey tabled a further petition containing more than 2500 signatures in parliament today, calling on the Bligh Government to direct Energex to place proposed powerlines from Mudgeeraba to Tugun underground or away from built up suburban areas.
“S.T.O.P. (Stop The Overhead Powerlines) members and a raft of local citizens and community groups have campaigned solidly for 6 months now which clearly indicates the level of public animosity to 110kv overhead powerlines through their suburbs,” said Ms Stuckey.
“This is the second petition to the Bligh Government in a matter of months that requests she and her Ministers listen to the significant concerns of local residents.
“It also asks for all members of the suburbs Mudgeeraba, Reedy Creek, Tallebudgera, Elanora, Palm Beach, Currumbin and Tugun to be fully informed of the Government’s proposal.
“This petition, like the one before it signed by more than 3,700 people, is an objection to the proposed construction of overhead powerlines traversing some established communities in southern Gold Coast suburbs.
“Residents believe that overhead powerlines will decrease land value, pose a health risk to residents and wildlife, degrade visual and community amenities and affect residents, local business, schools and childcares quality of life.
“Energex has received a strong and sustained public response to this project. Now residents of the Southern Gold Coast want assurance that the underground option will be assessed as rigorously as the overhead option in the forthcoming Final Assessment Report.
“Throughout this campaign by S.T.O.P. I have spoken with countless individuals and have been happy to support their cause. Unlike the silent Labor members on the Gold Coast I am determined that affected residents are given every opportunity to have their voices heard by the State Government.
The Members for Mudgeeraba and Burleigh have publicly stated they are in regular, even weekly, contact with the Minister. That being the case, I call on them to provide evidence of this contact so residents can see for themselves the extent of their lobbying.
“The Submission to Energex’s Infrastructure Cost Estimate Report is still open for comment until 21st November 2008 and I urge people to have their say via this sumbission. Forms are available from my electorate office, 1045 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach.
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Media Contact: Jann Stuckey 0439 855 919