The proposed $47 million transmission corridor by ElectraNet is facing scrutiny from local leaders, particularly concerning its impact on farmers in the Light Regional Council. Mayor Bill Close, who also farms in the region, has raised significant concerns about the financial implications for agricultural landowners affected by the new high-voltage power lines.
Concerns Over Compensation and Long-Term Effects
Mayor Close expressed cautious support for the transmission network, emphasizing the potential benefits of reliable and cheaper power for residents and businesses. However, he pointed out that the construction of these lines will impose serious financial burdens on local farmers for years to come.
Under the current proposal, ElectraNet plans to offer a one-time payment to compensate farmers for the loss of land used for the power lines. Close argues that this model fails to adequately address the ongoing challenges that farmers will face. “The impact will not just be felt during installation,” he noted, stressing that reduced cropping areas and restrictions on farming practices will result in diminished revenue for many years.
Farmers in the region will struggle with limitations on spraying around the transmission towers and will have to exercise increased caution when using machinery. Additionally, weather-related incidents, such as the severe storms experienced in 2016, pose risks of power line failures, which can lead to fires and significant crop damage.
Calls for an Annual Compensation Model
Reflecting on his own experiences, Mayor Close shared that throughout his 50 years of farming at Gawler River, he has received no compensation for the transmission lines crossing his fields. He recounted that his grandfather received only a small payment from the former Electricity Trust of South Australia (ETSA) decades ago, an amount long overshadowed by increasing insurance costs and productivity losses.
Close argues that it is unjust for more farmers to absorb the costs and risks associated with the new infrastructure. He is advocating for a revised compensation model that aligns with the actual costs incurred by farmers. Specifically, he proposes an indexed annual rental payment for the use of prime agricultural land, similar to compensation structures in other states. “This is not a revolutionary idea,” he remarked, noting that other projects, including wind and solar farms, often include substantial annual fees for land use.
As discussions continue over the proposed transmission corridor, Mayor Close’s call for fair compensation highlights the ongoing tension between infrastructure development and agricultural sustainability in the region. The outcome of this proposal will have lasting implications for both the energy landscape and the livelihoods of farmers in South Australia.
