Referral Agency Response for DA6226 · MCU25/0022

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 2002 and the Electrical Safety
         Regulation 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 behalf 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




33 Harold Street Virginia QLD 4014 Australia | PO Box 1193 Virginia QLD 4014 Australia
07 3898 4090 | | [email protected] | powerlink.com.au

Powerlink Queensland is the registered business name of the Queensland Electricity Transmission Corporation Limited. ABN 82 078 849 233