Transpower Decision: Fight Not Over Yet

Transpower Decision: Fight Not Over Yet

Transpower's interim decision on a preferred transmission corridor has realised the worst fears of many farmers and other landowners along the so-called 'western' route, said Peter Buckley, President of Waikato Federated Farmers.

"Though Transpower is obviously favouring the western option, landowners under the path of the proposed new lines should not give up hope. A final decision on whether the pylons will be built rests with the Electricity Commission.

"Federated Farmers will be looking to ensure that the commission has a good look at other options for securing Auckland's long-term electricity supply," Mr Buckley said.

"It has been suggested that a number of good wind power sites exist north of Auckland, and that Northland has a large amount of waste wood which can generate power and heat for large-scale industrial projects. I would like these and other options to be explored before the pylons start disfiguring the landscape," he said.

"Federated Farmers will oppose any decision to erect new lines that does not put in place formal easements. Similarly, the federation will do its utmost to ensure that land owners are fully and adequately compensated for the impact on their homes and business. This compensation should be ongoing.

"Federated Farmers policy on large infrastructure proposals is to oppose the plan until satisfied there is a proven case that it should go ahead, and that the impact on those affected is minimised.

"If the proposal goes ahead, the most cost-effective option must be chosen and this must include the true cost of transmission. Up to now landowners have been subsidising the cost of transmission and distribution of electricity," Mr Buckley said.

ENDS

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