Wind energy project cost blow-out is predicted

Portland Observer
Friday 15/9/2006, Page: 3

Pacific Hydro is facing a possible cost blow-out on its Portland Wind Energy Project but is unlikely to know how much until all the accounts come in.

Company community relations manager Emily Wood said in Portland this week that costs had risen over the past few years and it was now likely the project would cost $300 million-plus rather than $270 million.

In further developments, Ms Wood said the information sessions held at Cape Bridgewater this week had provided residents with an opportunity to see maps of the powerline route, where the turbines would be and to ask any questions.

"It is true to say the powerline route has changed since it was first put at the panel hearings," she said. "However, that is as a result of the negotiations, discussions and consultations we have had with more than 100 property owners along the route.

"One of the things people don't understand is that under the Gleneig Planning Scheme we don't have to consult with people on these powerlines - they are deemed to be a minor installation.

"If this was Powercor, property owners would receive a notice in their mailbox saying this is what will happen - end of story. "We have bent over backwards in our attempts to consult with people and meet their needs wherever possible, we are still telling people that if they have any concerns to contact us."

She took aim at one of the major protagonists in the powerline route issue Power Line Action Group chairman John Edgar. "We have consulted with John on the powerline issue, we have urged him to work out a solution with his neighbours but he refuses to be part of it,' she said.

"The suggestion we put the powerlines underground is not going to happen, it is an extremely costly and expensive exercise and there are also downsides for property owners if we do go underground because then their land use is extremely restricted in terms of what they can and can't do."

Ms Wood said on Tuesday afternoon that an estimated 20 residents had turned up at the first information session on Monday. Further sessions were held on Tuesday and Wednesday. "The majority of people have sought information as to where the powerline route is." she said.

She said the route would not impact on the sensitive environmental skyline at Cape Bridgewater, saying it would not be visible from the township.

• In further developments, it appears there is no guarantee Pacific Hydro will use blades manufactured by Vestas in Portland for the remaining stages of the PWEP at capes Bridgewater, Grant and Nelson.

Ms Wood said Pacific Hydro would advertise for companies to tender for the project. "That is normal company practice," she said. The company has also submitted an application to clear native vegetation along the powerline route to the council. The council is still processing the application before advertising it for public comment.