QLD: Powerlines may go underground

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-1999
QLD: Powerlines may go underground

BRISBANE, Aug 4 AAP - The Queensland government might investigate the use of underground
powerlines after it was revealed today some overhead powerlines were suburban deathtraps.

A report by electricity retailer Energex found maintenance programs had failed to keep pace
with safety requirements.

The safety survey found about 16 per cent of the southeast Queensland network was
dangerously overgrown by trees.

Premier Peter Beattie said today Energy Minister Tony McGrady was currently in Western
Australia investigating underground powerlines.

Mr Beattie said the government had a quote on underground powerlines and it was expensive.

"It is incredibly expensive but it is something that we are prepared to look at," Mr
Beattie said.

"I believe that we can go underground over a long period of time but it's very,very
expensive.

"We're talking about well in excess of a billion dollars to do this."

He said any plan to go underground would have to be a long-term strategy.

Mr Beattie said there was proper funding for a tree management program around powerlines.

But the opposition today demanded the government immediately guarantee funding for an
upgrade of the powerline system.

Opposition leader Rob Borbidge said the government had bled the industry dry and it was now
clear this was money needed for maintenance.

"They ripped out 95 per cent of the after-tax profits of the distributors, despite the
protestations of the then directors," Mr Borbidge said.

"When the question of maintenance was raised last month, Mr McGrady assured Queenslanders
the government would provide for emergent expenditure and maintenance.

"Well the evidence now says it is required and while Mr Beattie battles to stitch together
the state budget, he must make allowance for urgent maintenance."

AAP sls/geb/it/br

KEYWORD: POWERLINES LEAD

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