Power to the people
Residents of the Tweed have been divided over the sustainability of future development based on the shire’s future water needs. Whether a new dam is built or developers have to put in place other ways of securing water, the reality of an increase in population overlooks another important issue.
It was reported this week that there is major concern by power providers that during the hot weather this past week, and with more to come, there is the likelihood of power outages as maximum levels of power production are exceeded by the needs of residents.
It has to be blindingly obvious that without additional power plants an increase in the population of the Tweed might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Forget about just air-conditioning. If power is lost for any time, people with tanks won’t be able to pump water, food in refrigerators will be at risk, for those with electric stoves cooking won’t happen, and then there is fuel, medical needs and even the ability to shop because no power means no means of doing transactions.
Perhaps Tweed Shire Council and the developers should be also have to consider how much of an impact any development will have on the shire’s power needs. In a sustainable community, electricity has to be as important and even more important than just creating more water.
Perhaps the money that some councillors want to spend on new dam might be better off being spent on providing the future residents of the Tweed with sustainable power.
Robert Franzos, Murwillumbah
Great work
Congratulations on your 100th issue. I read Echonet almost daily. It’s great you are expanding and even better Luis will be contributing – he’s a great journo and has definite local knowledge. People trust him and tend to give more in an interview. He will deliver the real issues!
Great work.
Maryn Wagstaff
