Water project say

By Bridget Brady
PAKENHAM residents can have their say on the proposed Victorian Desalination Project at Wonthaggi.
People can make written submissions on the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) by 30 September, said a visiting environment official.
A representative from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) visited Pakenham Place yesterday to offer residents more information about the proposed project and their feedback options.
An EES was prepared for the project and has been released for public comment.
If approved, the desalination plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2011.
Residents have expressed concern about the project, particularly the controversial proposal to power the plant with high voltage overhead powerlines.
Cardinia Shire councillor Doug Hamilton said some of the powerlines would interfere with some of the best agricultural land in the shire.
Cardinia Shire Council chief executive Garry McQuillan said he encouraged landowners in the affected areas to make submissions on the EES.
“There is widespread concern in the community, shared by council, about the impact those powerlines could have on what is regarded as one of Australia’s most fertile and valuable agricultural areas,” Mr McQuillan said.
“We are seeking the support of local MPs on this issue.”
Members of the Power Grid Option Group (PGOG) will publish a second desalination power plant EES.
The group opposes the possibility of powering the desalination plant with overhead powerlines.
“Like the Government, we also will be calling for submissions to our EES so that genuine issues are canvassed widely and not censored inadvertently or otherwise,” PGOG chairman Alan Fraser said.
People can visit the PGOG webiste at www.undergroundoption.org.au
A hearing following the submissions process will be held in Pakenham on 8 October at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
The hearing is open to the public and anyone is welcome to have their say or sit and listen.
If anyone would like a copy of the full EES or more information about the desalination project they can call 1800 811 214.
People can also view the EES documents and a detailed map of the proposed power line route at council offices in Henty Way, Pakenham, and the Pakenham Library.