Question - Planning

(1)          Noting that certain residents in Lionel Rose Street, Holt, purchased blocks and built homes without any knowledge of the 330kV transmission lines that would be erected directly behind their properties because the ACT Government failed to include the development application for this major infrastructure project on the official lease conveyancing reports. Leaseholders have been informed that at least some of their residential fences must now be earthed to avoid the risk of induced voltage. Also noting that in question on Notice No 2915 (Ninth Assembly) I asked, ‘Who will pay for rectification work to residents’ fences that require earthing’ and in response, I was told that ‘the ACT Government is engaging with the utility around responsibilities’. Further noting that on 14 September 2020, residents were informed via an email from the utility that ‘in principle, the earthing of fences in these circumstances is the responsibility of the property owner, however given the history of this matter we have been in consultation with the ACT government in an attempt to assist landowners. We will follow up this matter in coming weeks and will provide an update’. The 330kV transmission lines have been live since at least 4 November 2020, according to the utility and an audit identified certain lengths of fence located on residential blocks in Lionel Rose Street that needed to be earthed, have all these lengths of fence been earthed now; if so, on which date/s were they earthed; if not, why not.

(2)          Why is it the responsibility of property owners to earth fences on their properties that were safe from induced voltage before the construction of high-voltage transmission lines directly behind their houses.

(3)          Who has paid or will pay for the earthing of these fences, and how much was/is the total cost, and if shared, how much did/will each party pay.