TWEEKS TO THE ROUTE (7/12/21)
Despite TasNetworks continued false claims they practice good community engagement, Loongana residents and landowners hear about a 'tweeked route' via the local media.
We continue to be manipulated or kept in the dark about TasNetworks' plans.
The tweeked route now impacts on more landholders to address problems arising from an inappropriate route selection. In no way does this 'tweek' address the cumulative impacts Tasnetworks 60-90m cleared easements will have on Loongana and further highlights just how inappropriate their preferred route through Loongana is.
Here's the basics from TasNet's Damien Vermey and Lachlan Baird:
"...the results of the studies and geotechnical drilling have shown that a section of the transmission line, around 10km, is located on land that is prone to landslides, could result in impacts to the karst and cave systems as well as areas of native rainforest. [No shit, Sherlock!]
"Based on these findings, it is necessary to realign a section of the preferred route further to the south to avoid these areas.
Further field studies along the revised route will be required to inform and finalise the environmental, planning and heritage assessment process. It is anticipated these studies will take up to six months to complete."
Lachlan can be contacted on 0408 592 342 or lachlan.baird@tasnetworks.com.au
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THE PROPOSED ROUTE:
We have cropped the Loongana section from TasNetworks released detailed maps of the 'Preferred Route'
You can download the whole catastrophe from their website the file is about 28mb
THE PINCH POINT:
The section shown below is the most controversial spot in the whole route. TasNetworks call this a 'pinch point' they say it is unavoidable and refuse to discuss the impacts beyond shifting a tower here or there, they refuse to listen or acknowlege the many reasons why Loongana Valley is an inappropriate place to put a transmission line.
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It is here that the line tip-toes between conservation areas and crosses the River Leven. It runs adjacent to two private covenanted reserves, both with a threatened ecological community of Wet Viminalis. One property is an internationally renowned tourist business where guests stay specifically to see Tasmania's most endangered animals in the pristine wilderness.
These properties and surrounding areas are home to Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls, Spotted-tail Quolls, platypus and wombats. The line is between two wedgetailed eagle nests, it is right on the flight path of six wedgies. Their favourite roosting tree is right on the easement. There are endangered Masked Owls, Grey Goshawks supported by a a hunting ground rich in diversity. An underground Karst System is a special feature of Loongana Valley, there are Caves and Springs present throughout this area and along the valley.
Putting the line through this point goes against most of Tasnetworks own key restraints for route selection. By Tasnetworks ignoring the costs to Loongana, they make a mockery of the whole route selection process that their PR company have been spruiking at taxpayers expense.
These properties and surrounding areas are home to Tasmanian Devils, Eastern Quolls, Spotted-tail Quolls, platypus and wombats. The line is between two wedgetailed eagle nests, it is right on the flight path of six wedgies. Their favourite roosting tree is right on the easement. There are endangered Masked Owls, Grey Goshawks supported by a a hunting ground rich in diversity. An underground Karst System is a special feature of Loongana Valley, there are Caves and Springs present throughout this area and along the valley.
Putting the line through this point goes against most of Tasnetworks own key restraints for route selection. By Tasnetworks ignoring the costs to Loongana, they make a mockery of the whole route selection process that their PR company have been spruiking at taxpayers expense.
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