Not too late for Empire Bay
In their rush to push ahead with their Empire Bay substation, Energy Australia is poised to deliver a Review of Environmental Factors, rather than the more expansive Environmental Impact Statement requested by Gosford Council.
An Energy Australia representative said that this would be "too time consuming".
Clearly this would impact on their push for development to commence as early as August.
The Land and Environment Court decisions of 2003, supported by plans, orders and judgement held by the Court, have clearly not been used in the assessment process or this site would not have been considered.
This is a documented unique, environmentally sensitive location as recognized in Gosford Council's own planning instruments.
The community supports an upgrade to the network, but responsible development of such a large facility should not be destined to leave a permanent scar in this location.
This appears both irresponsible and negligent in a natural heritage risk profile area.
Energy Australia appear not to be bound by normal approval processes.
Many in the community are hopeful that the councillors will raise objections and allow the state government scrutiny by the appropriate Ministers.
The overwhelming fire risk with inadequate asset protection zones, endangering life, property and habitat in this location cannot be ignored.
When these issues are objectively assessed, it will be difficult to understand how a development such as this can be justified in this location.
These facilities do catch fire as was recently seen at Dural. Sparks or embers from such a fire at Empire Bay starting in the outdoor transformers could have a catastrophic outcome.
Local residents, tourists visiting cafes and restaurants opposite this site would be trapped in the event of a fire.
There is a preschool and residential tourist park less than 200 metres from the site.
The potential devastation and irreversible damage from a fire event, either from the facility or from neighbouring properties can not be excluded.
Inability to afford maximum setbacks on Poole Close by Energy Australia heighten this risk. The location exceeds the upper threshold for fire risk as documented by NPWS.
Many of these factors reaffirm the decision of the Land and Environment Court, which set about precluding development on this area of now subdivided land.
Community focus group meetings with Energy Australia have resulted in unsatisfactory responses to concerns.
They have glossed over issues raised or omitted them completely from the minutes taken at these meetings.
Greens MLC Dr John Kaye visited the site in April 2010 and recognizing the legitimate concerns of the community is continuing to raise these in parliament.
We urge our local member, Mr Chris Hartcher, to take an active role.
Energy Australia is ignoring the concerns of many in the small but solid community of Empire Bay.
We appeal to the wider community to recognize these genuine concerns.
It's too late for the people of Wamberal, but not too late for Empire Bay.
There are other less significant locations available including the industrial area supporting sewerage treatment works set in acres of land at Kincumber.
Approximately four kilometres away, following the transmission line route and easements owned by Energy Australia.
It is far less distance than the six to seven kilometres that Energy Australia continues to put forward in defence of this suggestion.
This is an excellent location as it will be supported by the soon to be built NSW State Fire Brigade facility which will be almost on this site's doorstep.
Letter, 14 Jul 2010
Carolyn Packer, Empire Bay