ElecraNet to explore alternative options for Northern Transmission Project after farmers voice concerns
ElectraNet says it will seek alternative options for the power corridor. (ABC Rural: Amelia Bernasconi)
In short:
Farmers have voiced their opposition to ElectraNet's plans to run a high-voltage transmission line through valuable cropping land in SA.
The project connects regionally-based renewable energy sources to Adelaide.
What's next?
ElectraNet says it is looking at alternative options for the project.
ElectraNet will shift the location of its Northern Transmission Project away from South Australia's Mid North region following community concern about its impact on prime farming land.
The Northern Transmission Project, also known as NTx, connects regionally-based renewable energy sources to Adelaide.
More than 200 residents attended a meeting with ElectraNet in Riverton earlier in the year. (Supplied: GPSA)
Earlier this year the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) approved work to begin on the first stage of the project, with a corridor selected from the Bundey substation, near Robertstown, to Whyalla on South Australia's Upper Spencer Gulf.
The proposed options from the Bundey substation to Adelaide caused concern among farmers, who have rallied against transmission towers running through what they say are prime grain-growing areas in the Mid North.
Ben Plueckhahn has welcomed the announcement. (Supplied)
"I suppose the biggest concern is it, it's come through the heart of some of the most productive farmland in the area," sixth-generation Saddleworth farmer Ben Plueckhahn said.
"We think there's … alternate options where it can go through pastoral country.
"It's obviously much more sparsely populated as you get east of Goyder's Line, so it wouldn't affect as many people or as many operations in the farming community, and communities in general.
"It's good to know that they are taking on community feedback and so they're putting a bit of consideration into it, and they're willing to listen to what we've got to say."
The grain harvest is taking place across the country. (ABC Rural: Amelia Bernasconi)
ElectraNet has gained a six-month extension from the AER to publish a project Assessment draft report, which it says will allow more time to find a suitable pathway for the powerlines.
The company said it would investigate options to the east of the initially proposed corridors, which ran through prime grain growing areas, including towns such as Hallett, Kapunda, Saddleworth, Eudunda, Riverton and Roseworthy.
Len Schoots says the company is committed to finding a solution that minimises impact on farming communities. (Supplied)
"We've heard the feedback from communities in the Mid North and we're acting on it," ElectraNet major project executive Len Schoots said.
"This change in focus allows us to consider additional feasible land that may better align with community expectations.
"We understand our presence in the area has caused concern and uncertainty, but this is a long and detailed planning process and every voice we hear is helping us make better decisions.
"We're committed to finding a corridor that delivers the greatest benefits while minimising impacts on the things people care the most about."
Penny Pratt says it's good to see the community's concerns being addressed. (ABC News: Isabella Carbone)
Liberal Member for Frome Penny Pratt praised the decision to alter the plan but was critical of ElectraNet's community consultation.
"We've had a win for common sense," she said.
"For months and months this year, families, farmers and residents have been finding out in a pretty ad hoc way that they may be in line for one of the preferred corridors.
"Many drop-in sessions that were being hosted by ElectraNet … I'd only see two or three people at a time.
"I certainly came across people — particularly if they lived in these areas — who were unaware that that this consultation was underway and that a transmission power may be coming close to them."