National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) has welcomed NSW Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe launching an inquiry into the feasibility of using underground transmission connections for renewable energy projects.
NPA CEO Gary Dunnett stated ‘Undergrounding transmission connections offer the best way of avoiding the devastating environmental damage that overhead lines cause to natural landscapes, including national parks.
‘The last major rollout of transmission works in NSW was more half a century ago, at a time when overhead transmission was the standard. Global best practice has moved to less environmentally damaging underground transmission options. NSW must shift to that best practice standard to avoid inflicting unnecessary damage to environmental and community assets.
‘NPA is calling on the committee to also review underground options for the Snowy 2.0 transmission connection through Kosciuszko National Park. The previous government’s decision to push forward with outdated, damaging overhead transmission through the national park was yet another assault on the irreplaceable alpine environment.’
NPA will continue to pursue all options to overturn the ill-advised overhead transmission lines through Kosciuszko, including our ongoing legal action’. Mr Dunnett concluded.
ENDS
Media Contacts:
NPA CEO, Gary Dunnett. NPA Executive Member, Ted Woodley (02) 9299 0000
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