Line in limbo

State Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay has called on the State Government to clarify its position on Transgrid’s proposed high voltage transmission line between Bonshaw and Lismore via Tenterfield.
Mr Torbay said the announcement that the project may be deferred for 12 months flew in the face of competing information that the line may not be built until 2022.
“This uncertainty leaves landholders in the area and residents in Tenterfield whose properties would be affected by the project, in limbo,” he said.
“It is up to the Minister to extract the full details from TransGrid and properly inform the community.”
Mr Torbay said the reason being given for a 12-month delay is that the demand for electricity had been lower than expected.
“There is an obvious reason for that. Electricity is getting more expensive and people are using less. It could be that the new line may not be necessary,” he said.
Mr Torbay said he had been told that deferments on the project, which involves a two-kilometre corridor through a number of rural properties and close to Tenterfield township, could continue indefinitely.
“We know the government is cutting costs wherever it can and that the demands for infrastructure upgrades outstrip the budget to pay for them.
“There is also speculation that the state owned electricity poles and wire may be sold off in the future.
“With this level of uncertainty, the government has an obligation to let people in the local area, who have been on notice for the last three years, know exactly how they stand.
“If the Bonshaw to Tenterfield transmission line is to be on hold for another 10 years, then the current plan should be scrapped,” Mr Torbay said.