LNP Double-Crosses On Power Line

Shadow Energy and Water Minister, Curtis Pitt, says LNP MPs need to explain why they have dashed the expectations of locals in relation to the power line planned to run from Loganlea to Jimboomba across the Logan River.

“The LNP in government has simply not lived up to the promises it made to locals on this issue when in opposition which shows how risky it will be for people to vote LNP again,” Mr Pitt said.

He said LNP Energy Minister, Mark McArdle, had announced approval of the line on November 28 despite his party’s strong opposition to it in previous years.

“It is no wonder Queenslanders feel disappointed and double-crossed by the LNP and local LNP MPs,” Mr Pitt said.

“At both the 2009 and 2012 state elections the LNP led local residents to believe it opposed this transmission line and if it had to be built, would make sure it went underground.

“LNP candidates such as Mark Boothman in Albert and Michael Pucci in Logan who are now local MPs were in the front row when it came to leading voters to believe an LNP government would do things differently.

“It is no wonder more and more people are realising they will be taking a huge risk if they vote LNP again,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Pitt said at the 2009 election (see below) the current Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said an LNP government would “guarantee that comprehensive and meaningful consultation will be undertaken with all community stakeholders so everyone affected has an opportunity for input into the planning process”.

“Mr Seeney was also raising expectations and now that he and the LNP are in government he must explain why he has walked away from his commitments,” Mr Pitt said.

Jeff Seeney MP

Shadow Minister for Mines & Energy

9 March, 2009

LNP will review Logan-Jimboomba transmission line

LOGAN-JIMBOOMBA: A Springborg-led LNP Government will review the controversial Logan-Jimboomba power transmission line.
LNP energy spokesman Jeff Seeney said an LNP Government will review the line, fully check the planning process and examine all viable alternatives for corridor selection.
Mr Seeney said any new electricity infrastructure such as the Logan to Jimboomba transmission line should be constructed in a way that minimised impacts on local communities.
“While it’s important to manage project costs to ensure economical supplies of electricity, these decisions should not be made on financial cost alone,” Mr Seeney said.
“There’s a range of other factors that also need to be considered and the communities affected need to be properly and extensively consulted.
“II can guarantee that if the LNP wins government on March 21, this project will be reviewed and if there are flaws identified in the planning process then a new report will be undertaken to look at all viable alternatives for corridor selection.
“I can also guarantee that comprehensive and meaningful consultation will be undertaken with all community stakeholders so everyone affected has an opportunity for input into the planning process.”
Mr Seeney said construction of electricity infrastructure often caused difficulties for communities and that’s why the LNP had a policy of progressively moving towards underground installations where priorities and costings mad it a viable option.
“We also have a policy of using public land and established corridors wherever possible to further reduce the impact on communities,” Mr Seeney said.