In 2005 the former Great Lakes Council passed a resolution that required developers to replace overhead power with underground electricity cables in central urban precincts in both Forster Tuncurry and Tea Gardens Hawks Nest.
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At the July monthly MidCoast Council ordinary meeting, a recommendation was put forward to reverse that resolution.
The recommendation related to infill sites only.
"Undergrounding of power in conjunction with subdivision and rezoning remains a requirement as specified in development control plan relevant to that location." the recommendation proposed.
"I think this is a reasonable change," Cr Karen Hutchinson said.
"Obviously, it was a good idea 15 years ago."
However, the majority of councillors did not agree with the proposed changes and deferred the matter for further consideration at a future workshop.
"I don't get why we are doing this; it has been good," Len Roberts said.
"We are talking about infill areas, not greenspace," Cr Roberts said.
"People in Marine Drive have been screaming out to have power put underground.
Telegraph poles in the city and urban areas are ugly and unsafe and contribute to fire and the power going out..
- Len Roberts
"Telegraph poles in the city and urban areas are ugly and unsafe and contribute to fire and the power going out.
"I would like to see this in more urban areas; I would like to see power go underground ; I would like to see this rejected or workshopped.
"I think this is a retrograde step to remove underground power."
According to a report from MidCoast Council projects and engineering manager, Rhett Pattison, in 2019 a number of development applications were received and assessed within areas where council had previously determined that undergrounding of power lines should occur.
"Issues have been raised by the development community which warrant a review of this matter for future development applications," he said.
"Comments from development engineering staff note that since adopting the resolution, conditioning of developments in nominated areas has not been easy to be consistent.
"It has resulted in regular arguments with developers and consultants as to the application of the resolution and a number of requests for modification of consent with subsequent removal of the respective conditions."
Infrastructure and engineering services director, Rob Scott said nothing would change for new builds.
"Chose wisely councillors," Peter Epov said.
"I can see argument on both sides," Kathryn Bell said.
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
