Adam Marshall lobbies for underground power lines

Undergrounding of transmission lines inquiry welcome news

 I have welcomed the State Government’s announcement of a parliamentary inquiry into the feasibility of undergrounding new electricity transmission infrastructure in regional NSW, after pushing for the issue to be seriously considered last month and again this week.
 People across the Northern Tablelands and New England regions had been raising their concerns about the impact large industrial-scale transmission lines would have on the landscape, environment and agricultural production and I’m very pleased the government has finally acknowledged them and taken some action. I am also urging the inquiry committee to visit the region to see and hear for themselves the concerns locals have about the proposed transmission lines. As I said in the Parliament a fortnight ago, the government must look seriously at undergrounding sections of these new lines to avoid land use conflicts, loss of biodiversity and impacts on people’s amenity and existing industries, such as agriculture.
 It shouldn’t have taken speeches on the floor of parliament, nor my motion calling for the establishment of an inquiry to investigate the feasibility of undergrounding for the government to listen and act, but I’m glad it has, and the inquiry is very welcome news.