His list of the questions and answers was circulated on April 5 (see below).

Mr Bromhead said he had met with TransGrid executives and put a series of important questions that have been asked by constituents and their responses have now been provided.

"Having met with TransGrid and now having received and read their answers, I am satisfied that the proper processes are being followed by TransGrid," Mr Bromhead said.

"Should this project proceed, clearly I will watch that the due process is strictly followed to the letter and that all necessary steps are taken.

"TransGrid informed me that there is much to be done, including the selection of their preferred corridor at which time we will all be able to consider the possible impact on people and the environment," Mr Bromhead said.

1. Why can't TransGrid upgrade existing transmission infrastructure in the region to meet

this specific project need? For example by rebuilding the existing lines?

If TransGrid was to upgrade any existing transmission line, it would need to dismantle the line to

allow the new line to be constructed. It would not be possible to upgrade the existing

transmission line without taking it out of service for an extended period.

By reducing the number of available lines, the security of electricity supply to the Mid North Coast

would be compromised.

2. Why can't the line be built underground?

TransGrid will consider all submissions from the community, including those recommending to

build the proposed power line underground.

TransGrid's has two existing underground cables in NSW. Both of these underground cables are

installed to provide power to the Sydney CBD. In the specific areas where the underground

cables are located, constraints such as the density of landholdings and population are such that

the building of an overhead transmission line would not be possible.

While technically feasible, underground cables can be up to 10 times more expensive than overhead power lines - a cost ultimately borne by consumers.

In terms of undergrounding sections of a transmission line, converter stations (for direct current) or intermediate reactor stations (for alternating current) would also be required.

If the region's electricity needs can be met through the construction of an overhead transmission

line at a lower cost, then it should be considered.

3. Please state your position on Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF)

The Stroud to Lansdowne Transmission Line will be designed well below the recommended

exposure levels. We expect that EMF levels at the edge of the easement will be similar to levels

experienced day to day within households.

Research conducted over the past 25 years has increased our knowledge of electric and

magnetic fields and TransGrid relies on expert advice on this matter from health authorities in

Australia and from around the world. We adopt a prudent approach to EMFs by:

* Factoring EMFs into account in the design and location of new facilities;

* Closely monitoring ongoing research and reviews by scientific panels and international

policy developments;

* Continuously reviewing our policies and practices in light of the latest scientific

information;

* Measuring field strengths in and around our own installations and other places where

appropriate; and

* Providing information to interested people.

TransGrid is committed to continuing its world leading practices in providing a safe, reliable,

efficient and environmentally responsible high voltage electricity transmission service to our

customers and the community.

Once a preferred corridor is selected, one of the priorities in the route selection process of the

line will be avoiding dense clusters of housing wherever possible; and using local topography to

ensure maximum clearances.

4. How were the letters requesting nominations for the CWG distributed?

In November 2011, more than 1100 letters were sent to property owners within the broad project

study area, who were likely to be affected by one of the Project's corridor options.

The letters were in addition to advertisements placed in local newspapers, local post offices,

community notice boards and local radio stations. The TransGrid website was updated and

media releases were also distributed to notify the broader community.

The names and addresses for all property owners were obtained from the best publicly available

information from Land and Property Information NSW.

5. Why can't TransGrid extend the public exhibition of the OSR?

TransGrid has already agreed to extend the public exhibition of the OSR by four weeks.

The Options Selection Report (OSR) was placed on public exhibition for four weeks from Monday

27 February 2012. The original closing date for submissions was the 23 March 2012.

On Tuesday 27 March, TransGrid elected to further extend the exhibition period for the OSR until

5.00pm on the 20th April 2012.

TransGrid offered the extension due to allow more time for the community to identify constraints

within the proposed corridor options, which will assist in the selection of a preferred corridor.

6. Can transmission lines be built within 30 metres of homes?

Homes will not be located within 30 metres of the centre line of the transmission line.

While a number of houses may be located within one of the proposed two-kilometre-wide

corridors, much effort will be put into designing the route of the 60-metre easement to provide

distance between the power line and residences.

Homes and other substantial structures are not permitted within the easement of the proposed

power line.

TransGrid's preference is to build the power line in a location which avoids residences and dense

clusters of landholdings, where technically feasible.

7. Please confirm the type of structures under consideration

There are two types of structures which could be used for the proposed power line - a steel

lattice structure or a concrete/steel pole structure. The structure type will be decided after an

assessment of the constraints of each option, including engineering, environmental and cost

constraints.

8. Why is there not as much information online as the Tomago to Stroud Project?

The Tomago to Stroud Project was announced in 2009. Once a corridor was selected and

publicly announced, affected property owners and project stakeholders were provided with

regular Project updates. Unlike the Stroud to Lansdowne Project, the Tomago to Stroud Project

largely involves replacing an existing line.

The network capacity in this section of the network is sufficient to allow a rebuild to take place,

while maintaining required levels of network security.

For the Stroud to Lansdowne Project, TransGrid has elected to engage the community at an

earlier stage and consult with them regarding the proposed corridor options before selecting a

preferred corridor.

All property owners within the corridor options received a project notification letter which called

for Community Working Group nominations in November 2011, and a letter regarding the public

release of the OSR in February 2012.

Property owners will continue to be notified about project milestones as TransGrid progresses

towards the selection of a preferred corridor. Once a preferred corridor is selected, affected

property owners and registered stakeholders will receive regular project updates, like those

distributed for the Tomago to Stroud Project.

9. Will TV and mobile coverage be affected?

Television, mobile and radio reception in the primary service area of the transmitting stations is

normally unaffected by transmission lines.

If interference does occur and it is identified as a result of the transmission line, TransGrid will

investigate the problem and may carry out modifications or measures to improve reception in that

particular locality.

10. Have we done a socioeconomic study?

Once a preferred corridor is selected, a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be

undertaken under Part 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The EIS will

include an assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with the project.

11. A number of constituents have concerns about how compensation was determined in the

past. Can you explain how the compensation process works today?

All TransGrid's compensation payments must comply with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms

Compensation) Act 1991 as amended.

TransGrid employs an independent registered property Valuer to carry out a detailed current land

valuation in order to determine the amount of compensation payable to the landholder. After

which, TransGrid will make the landowner a formal offer.

TransGrid also encourages landholders to seek their own independent valuation and legal advice

when considering TransGrid's offer of compensation. All reasonable costs incurred by the

landholder as a result of the easement acquisition process, such as legal costs or valuation fees,

will be reimbursed by TransGrid in addition to the agreed compensation payment.

TransGrid undertakes to compensate each landholder with a monetary amount, which fairly

reflects the overall impact of the easement on their property. Many factors are considered when

assessing compensation, so it is likely that the amount paid to each landholder will vary

accordingly.

In accordance with the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, TransGrid seeks

to obtain easements through private treaty negotiations with the landowner. If the landowner has

obtained a private assessment of compensation for the easement over their property, the

valuations by both parties will be reviewed to assist the negotiation process.

If a compensation agreement with the landholder cannot be reached after a reasonable period of

time, the amount of compensation is determined independently by the NSW Valuer General.

12. Is the line being built for energy trading; if not why is it needed?

TransGrid is a transmission network operator. It transports electricity from generators to

electricity distributors and major end use customers. It does not participate in the trading of

electricity.

The need for the Stroud to Lansdowne Project is not based on energy trading. The Project has

been proposed to help secure a reliable electricity supply to the NSW Mid North Coast, which has

been identified as one of the fastest growing areas across the state. The region's population is

expected to increase by more than 30,000 people in the next decade, with peak summer demand

expected to rise up to 25 per cent.

The proposed power line is needed to address emerging limitations on the current transmission

system in the area, and to ensure reliability of supply in the region into the future.

13. Why was the 'Get the Facts Brochure' not issued at beginning of the OSR exhibition?

In February 2012, notification letters were sent to all landowners whose property is located within

one of the proposed corridor options. The letter provided details on how to access the OSR and

obtain further information.

Following a number of public enquiries TransGrid developed the 'Get the Facts' Information

Booklet, which answers the common questions raised by the community. The booklets were

distributed to all property owners within the corridor options to ensure they had all the answers to

frequently asked questions prior to the close of the public submission period.

14. "Constituents have stated that 'in the USA transmission lines are not permitted within 130

metres from houses.'" What standards does TransGrid adhere to?

TransGrid does not permit homes and other substantial structures to be located or built within the

60 metre wide easement area of a 330kV transmission line.

This policy has been developed in accordance with standards developed by The Australian

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

While a number of houses may be located within one of the proposed two-kilometre-wide

corridors, much effort will be put into designing the route of the 60-metre easement to provide

distance between the power line and residences.

TransGrid's preference is to build the power line in a location which avoids residences and dense

clusters of landholdings, where technically feasible.

15. Can you increase the voltage to greater than 330kV without notice?

No. The transmission has been designed for a maximum operating voltage of 330kV.

16. Do transmission lines make it difficult to fight fires?

No. The easements and access tracks associated with the proposed transmission line may

actually assist in fighting fires, as they provide fire breaks and access for the Rural Fire Service

(RFS).

TransGrid works closely with the RFS at both a local and State level to ensure the safety of the

community and the reliability of their electricity supply.

17. How will TransGrid manage weeds during construction?

TransGrid will consult with landowners and relevant government agencies regarding noxious and

declared weeds in the area and set up facilities and signage where appropriate. TransGrid will

require the contractor to minimise the introduction or spread of weeds.

All construction, management and maintenance activities will be controlled by an Environmental

Management Plan prepared specifically for the Stroud to Lansdowne Project. This plan will

manage actions with the potential to spread weeds.