MCU15.0034 Negotiated Decision Notice

MCU15/0034

 

ATTACHMENT 1 Total of 3 Pages

14. INTERFERENCE

The applicant's attention is drawn to s.230 of the Electricity Act 1994 (the “Act’), which
provides that a person must not wilfully, and unlawfully interfere with an electricity
entity's works. “Works” are defined in s.12 (1) of the Act. The maximum penalty for
breach of s.230 of the Act is a fine equal to 40 penalty units or up to 6 months
imprisonment.

15. REMEDIAL ACTION

Should remedial action be necessary by Powerlink as a result of the proposal, the
applicant will be liable for all costs incurred.

16. OWNERS USE OF LAND
The owner may use the easement land for any lawful purpose consistent with the
terms of the registered easement; the conditions contained herein, the Electrical Safety
Act 2013 and the Electrical Safety Regulations 2013.

17. ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS

Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) occur everywhere electricity is used (e.g. in homes and
offices) as well as where electricity is transported (electricity networks).

Powerlink recognises that there is community interest about Electric and Magnetic Fields.
We rely on expert advice on this matter from recognised health authorities in Australia and
around the world. In Australia, the Federal Government agency charged with responsibility
for regulation of EMFs is the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency
(ARPANSA). ARPANSA's Fact Sheet — Magnetic and Electric Fields from Power Lines,
concludes:

“On balance, the scientific evidence does not indicate that exposure to 50Hz EMF's found
around the home, the office or near powerlines is a hazard to human health.”

Whilst there is no scientifically proven causal link between EMF and human health, Powerlink
nevertheless follows an approach of “prudent avoidance” in the design and siting of new
powerlines. This includes seeking to locate new powerline easements away from houses,
schools and other buildings, where it is practical to do so and the added cost is modest.

The level of EMF decreases rapidly with distance from the source. EMF readings at the edge
of a typical Powerlink easement are generally similar to those encountered by people in their
daily activities at home or at work. And in the case of most Powerlink lines, at about 100
metres from the line, the EMF level is so small that it cannot be measured.

Powerlink is a member of the ENA’s EMF Committee that monitors and compiles up-to-date
information about EMF on behaff of all electricity network businesses in Australia. This
includes subscribing to an international monitoring service that keeps the industry informed
about any new developments regarding EMF such as new research studies, literature and
research reviews, publications, and conferences.

We encourage community members with an interest in EMF to visit ARPANSA’s website:
www.arpansa.gov.au Information on EMF is also available on the ENA's website:

www.ena.asn.au

Page 11 of 14 Management of Easement Co-use Requests Guideline Updated 15 May 2014 Version 6.1

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