Wellington Local News: Call For Liberal Leader To View Basslink Proposal

"All indications are that the people of Victoria will shortly be going to the polls and it is vitally important that all political parties make themselves aware of matters which may come before them under a new parliament," said Mayor Malcolm Hole.

"As the new leader of the Parliamentary Liberal Party in Victoria, Mr Doyle will be leading his party into the next election and he should take this opportunity to familiarise himself with the strength of feeling there is in the Shire against the Basslink proposal.

"Wellington Shire has been badly let down by the failure of the current Minister for Planning to visit the area, despite repeated requests for her to do so."

Mayor Hole has called on the Liberals to support the National Party’s bid to block the planning scheme amendments for the project in Government.

"The Liberals can use their numbers in the Upper House to make sure that this project is re-visited with a view to placing the pipeline underground.

"Council’s planning laws have been overridden by a State Government that is refusing to listen to reason.

"As the planning authority for this region, we remain convinced that the sensible option would be to place these cables underground and would welcome a visit from Mr Doyle so we may put our case to him personally."

Last week, the MAV overwhelmingly endorsed Wellington Shire’s call upon the State and Federal governments to ensure that the project used a fully underground option for the land-based segment of Basslink. Seventy-seven of the 78 Councils across Victoria supported Wellington’s recommendation.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com