Powerlink Queensland have shown little respect for the value of land to landowners, agricultural production, the sweat, and aspirations of people who invest in land along with hard earned income, loan repayment pressures, and full compensation.
Powerlink have proposed 3 high voltage power line routes that clearly demonstrate avoidance at all costs when it relates to using State-owned land.
The response to the suggestion of far greater use of State-owned land is that it has high environmental value.
Does government really value this land as shown through the lack of its management with the proliferation of pests, weeds and lack of fire controls?
The question has to be asked, is the gazetting of National Parks and the rush for renewable projects with their grid connections more about valuing a political outcome?
An underlining ethos for Property Rights Australia is the “No Disadvantage Principle” arguing that if a community or an individual is to be disadvantaged by government policy and regulation, that an alternative must be seriously considered and if that is not possible, full, and proper compensation be promptly provided.
The State government through Powerlink has not valued the residents of rural and regional communities.
Powerlink need to seriously consider alternatives and until better management of National Parks is achieved, they should not have the affront to hide behind a defense of high environmental value.
People and food security have value too.
– Rob Atkinson
Chairperson of Property Rights Australia (PRA)
