Key Takeaways
- Genesis Energy plans to remove trees along Putiki Road to make room for 33kV power lines to connect its planned solar farm to the national grid.
- Residents, including Peter and Robyn Askey, are distressed about the plans and have sought the support of the Whakatāne District Council.
- The council has thrown its support behind the residents, but acknowledges it has limited ability to influence electricity infrastructure decisions.
- Genesis Energy claims that removing the trees is the only viable option, despite residents offering alternative solutions, including running the lines along the eastern side of the road.
- The company has committed to working with landowners to minimize disruption, but residents remain concerned about the impact on their properties and the environment.
Introduction to the Issue
The Whakatāne District Council has expressed its support for residents of Putiki Road who are opposing Genesis Energy’s plans to remove trees along the road to make way for power lines. The residents, including Peter and Robyn Askey, are concerned about the impact on their properties and the environment. The plans involve removing 30-year-old native trees, including kahikatea, totara, and rimu, as well as a 75-year-old phoenix palm that has stood on the land since 1950. The Askeys have planted many of the trees themselves and are deeply attached to them.
The Residents’ Concerns
The residents of Putiki Road are distressed about the plans to remove the trees, which they believe will have a significant impact on their properties and the environment. Peter Askey has pointed out that the west side of the road, where the trees are located, is where the houses are and where people live. He has questioned why Genesis Energy wants to use this side of the road, given the alternative option of running the lines along the eastern side, where there is only open farmland, one house, and a drain. The residents have also expressed concerns about the loss of a 60-year-old oak tree, complete with a treehouse, which was planted by children from Awakeri School.
The Council’s Response
The Whakatāne District Council has thrown its support behind the residents, with Mayor Nandor Tanczos expressing sympathy for their concerns. The council has proposed a statement of support, which acknowledges Genesis Energy’s rights of access to place the electricity lines within the road corridor. However, the statement also encourages the utility operator to configure the grid tie so as to minimize the impact on existing residents and to consider moving the transition lines to the eastern side of Putiki Road. The council’s ability to influence the decision is limited, but it has encouraged Genesis Energy to work with the residents to find a solution that minimizes disruption.
Genesis Energy’s Position
Genesis Energy has stated that removing the trees is the only viable option to make room for the 33kV power lines. The company’s chief operating officer, Tracey Hickman, has said that the route along the western side of Putiki Road remains the only viable option within the given constraints. She has acknowledged that the company has invested significant time and resources in developing concept designs and engaging with landowners regarding access options for alternative routes. However, she has also stated that the proposed power lines are being installed along a public road reserve, which is where this kind of infrastructure is built all around New Zealand.
Alternative Solutions
The residents have offered alternative solutions, including running the lines along the eastern side of the road. Peter Askey has offered an easement to run the lines along his own land on the eastern side of the road for no charge. However, Genesis Energy has responded that there would be additional design, risk, and installation implications with the 33kV line crossing Putiki Road multiple times. The company has committed to providing feedback on the residents’ proposal, but it remains to be seen whether it will consider alternative options.
Conclusion
The dispute between Genesis Energy and the residents of Putiki Road highlights the challenges of balancing the need for infrastructure development with the concerns of local communities. While Genesis Energy has committed to working with the residents to minimize disruption, the company’s insistence on removing the trees has caused significant distress. The Whakatāne District Council’s support for the residents is a positive step, but it remains to be seen whether the company will consider alternative solutions that prioritize the environment and the community. Ultimately, the outcome of this dispute will depend on the ability of the parties to work together to find a solution that balances competing interests and priorities.