Queensland’s three electricity network businesses are closer to having a new environmental code of practice following the signing of the 2016 Queensland Electricity Supply Industry (QESI) Code of Practice in Brisbane last week.
The new Code of Practice delivers a more practical, streamlined and user friendly document, with a significant focus on collaboration and co-operation.
The code details how Powerlink, Ergon Energy and Energex will maintain electricity corridors and infrastructure in Queensland’s national parks and state forests, including sensitive Wet Tropics World Heritage listed areas.
It was negotiated between the three QESI entities and state government departments DNPSR – which includes the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) – and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA) and HQ Plantations, which holds the Queensland Government’s plantation forestry leases, were also parties to the negotiation of the code.
Powerlink chief executive Merryn York joined representatives from the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing (DNPSR) in signing the document and said the code provided a framework for innovative and efficient practice that delivers responsible and cost-effective environmental management.
“We set out to ensure the new code provided a clear framework for communication, collaboration and appropriate and transparent environmental controls for all parties to the agreement,” Ms York said.
“It’s also rewarding to see that through our demonstration of collaborative engagement, Powerlink has significantly strengthened its positive and productive relationship with DNPSR and QPWS as a result of the process.
“The code provides clarity regarding expectations for environmental management, and removes uncertainties which were contributing to operational inefficiency.”
