Book Book farmers have called for better community consultation over a proposed $2.1 billion HumeLink high voltage line between Wagga and the Snowy 2.0 hydroelectric scheme at Tumut.
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Cattle, sheep and grain farmer Melody McMeekin said a group of concerned landowners wanted electricity grid operator TransGrid to respond to their feedback on the proposed route for the 65-metre tall transmission towers.
"We have always come away disappointed from the meetings we have had with TransGrid," Mrs McMeekin said.
They always seem to have their presentations ready to show us but they don't seem to answer the questions we have.
"TransGrid said they selected the route corridor based on where they can find opportunities, which doesn't sound to me like a good enough reason as to why they want to take part of your land."
Mrs McMeekin said all she wanted was for TransGrid to listen to suggestions for areas where the power line would have the "least impact".
HumeLink's plan is for three 500-kilovolt lines with 70-metre easements between Maragle, Bannaby and Wagga.
Wagga MP Joe McGirr said he had contacted TransGrid and NSW Energy Minister Matt Kean as the situation "needs to improve".
"I have asked [TransGrid's] senior representatives to meet with farmers in the Kyeamba Valley," Dr McGirr said.
"The feedback that I have is that contact has not been made at the senior level, and I'm disappointed in that and I'm trying to follow that up.
"I think it's very reasonable that they should have contact with TransGrid; the farmers in the Kyeamba Valley landowners group have been quite concerned about how the consultations have taken place and I share their concerns."
A TransGrid spokesperson said the organisation "committed to genuine consultation with landowners and the broader community and we appreciate the feedback that has been provided to us so far".
"Landowners have important information that helps us understand environmental impacts and local land uses," the spokesperson said.
"This information assists with planning and improves our design," the spokesperson said.
"Refining the route corridor is an ongoing process which we expect to present by mid-2021.
"Affected landowners are being kept informed throughout this process.
"We have had more than 500 direct contacts with landowners in the region since May 2020 and will continue engagement with landowners and the community throughout 2021.
"The project will then be subject to a detailed planning approvals process where further community feedback will be invited."