A controversial project to construct 8 kilometres of overhead power transmission lines in Kosciuszko National Park for the Snowy 2.0 project has been given the green light.
The powerlines are set to be built west of Talbingo Reservoir to connect the Snowy 2.0 project to the National Electricity Market at Nurenmerenmong, east of Tumbarumba.
The office of federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed the proponent, NSW Electricity Operations, has approval to do the build.
The project was discussed before the Senate Estimates yesterday, which looked to clarify if 140 hectares between Kosciuszko National Park and Bago State Forest would be permanently cleared as a result and why cabling could not be installed underground instead.
"This issue has been worked through very rigorously in terms of the environmental impact statement," Snowy Hydro's acting chief executive Roger Whitby said.
"The alternatives simply do not stack up in terms of both the environmental impact, ironically, and also the financial impact."
"Approximately 81 hectares will be required for the new easement ... within the national park."
When pressed on why the powerlines were being built above ground, Mr Whitby said it would be an "extremely challenging" task to install lines underground in "extreme terrain" that would "require massive earthworks" and ongoing maintenance.
A 'disappointing' decision
The 330-kilovolt overhead double-circuit transmission lines are set to be suspended on steel lattice towers, up to 75 metres high, within a 200-metre-wide easement.
The project was approved by the NSW government in September and referred to the federal government for the final sign-off.
It was ultimately approved on October 21, with Ms Plibersek's office revealing it was subject to 41 conditions to protect the environment, as per the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Senator Janet Rice, who formed part of the committee presenting questions to Snowy Hydro at yesterday's Senate Estimates hearing, is "saddened" by the approval.
She feels the decision was made to save on costs.
"They really need to have considered all those alternatives and pay that extra cost because all the other powerlines in the park have been underground for the last 50 years," she said.
"I find it extremely disappointing that the environment minister has signed off on it, as well as the NSW government, without that comprehensive assessment being done."
The National Parks Association (NPA) of NSW also sees the decision as a cost-saving measure and a deep blow for environmental protection to the high country.
He has long advocated for underground powerlines.
"They're saving money to allow them the cheapest way of slashing through a national park at the same time as their overall budget is skyrocketing," NPA chief executive Gary Dunnett said.
"We've got the Commonwealth's major foray into supporting the transition to renewables, and it's being done in a really clumsy way at the cost of one of the most environmentally precious parts of our nation."