Alternative energy to 100,000 homes at risk by Liberal flip flop

Monday, 08 March 2010 23:52

Federal Liberal candidate for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson’s, backflip on the Gherang geothermal test site puts the potential supply of alternative energy to 100,000 local homes at risk, Federal MP Darren Cheeseman said today.

Just weeks after writing a letter of support for the project, the Liberal candidate is now saying she opposes it.

“This would probably make it an Olympic record for the fastest and most complete backflip by a political candidate,” Federal MP Darren Cheeseman said.

“Just a few weeks ago the Liberal candidate sent a letter of support to the Federal Government for the Gherang geothermal project, then issued a media release supporting it.”

“Only weeks later she’s done a complete about face, and is promising local residents she will campaign against it.”

“This is the Liberal candidate’s first big test of nerve. She has completely failed it, and is flip flopping around like a carp on a river bank.”

“It seems incredible on a project with the promise to power over 100,000 homes you would not hold your nerve and support those residents who do have legitimate concerns but who are actually sitting down with the company trying to work through the issues.”

Darren Cheeseman said the Gherang Community and Environment Group (GCEG) were to be congratulated and were making some real progress in winning assurances from the company about important issues for the local community.

The GCEG, who have been in ongoing discussion with Greenearth Energy have won assurances that the company:

• are no longer interested in pursuing the establishment of power plants in the more intensive residential areas of Gherang (and environs), 
• they will avoid areas of high conservation value, cultural sensitivity and areas along water courses,
• they will not seek any assistance from the Government to compulsorily acquire any land for the Geothermal Power Plant (they have no powers of compulsory acquisition themselves),
• power transmission from plants to the grid would aim to utilise existing transmission lines where possible, and that where necessary power lines would go underground,
• will not be constructing any high voltage power lines,
•  they will seek to work cooperatively with the community to locate suitable and acceptable areas for power plants.
 
For more information ring Joe Taylor 0416241653. Below is the media release issued by Sarah Henderson late last year.

Joint Media Release

The Hon Greg Hunt MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage Sarah Henderson and Liberal Candidate for Corangamite

Wednesday, 9th December 2009

Support for Geelong Geothermal Power Project

Sarah Henderson, Liberal Candidate for Corangamite and Greg Hunt, Shadow Minister for Climate Action, Environment and Heritage today congratulates Greenearth Energy in securing a $25 million grant that will enable direct action on climate change.

"I commend Greenearth's initiative," Ms Henderson said.

"Greenearth has the capability for geothermal power production which is emissions free and which would provide a sustainable solution to Geelong's power needs.

"The Geelong region is home to a significant number of emissions intensive industries."

Mr Hunt also congratulated Greenearth Energy and Sarah Henderson for her involvement.

"I've been working with Sarah Henderson on a Clean Energy Coast initiative which is about community involvement and taking direct action on climate change," Mr Hunt said.

"This geothermal initiative should assist industries to move to clean, renewable energy solutions and will ultimately protect jobs in the region. This is about direct action on climate change."

Sarah Henderson said that she will continue to lobby the Federal Minister for Resources and Energy for further funding.

"I now call on the Federal Government to provide further assistance through its Geothermal Drilling Program.

"Such assistance will enable Greenearth Energy to be best placed to secure an environmentally responsible and economically sustainable solution for Geelong's long term energy requirements," Ms Henderson concluded.

Media contacts: John Deller (Mr Hunt's office) on 0400496596 Sarah Henderson on 0414227638