LOGAN CITY, QLD, 17 DECEMBER 2008: A group of Logan City residents are set to do battle with the Queensland Government. Government owned Energex wants to run a network of heavy duty power lines through private property along a scenic stretch of the Logan River. The proposal, notified by Energex in a mail out to residents earlier this month has outraged affected landholders, neighbours , conservationists, historians and others who enjoy the use of the river system.

A hastily convened meeting last week at the home of one resident attracted a crowd in excess of 40, who quickly agreed to form an organization to fight the proposal.

Spokesman for the newly formed VETO, Maree Slingsby said "This proposal would see the culturally and ecologically significant Logan River turned into little more than a huge service easement. The proposal is flawed on so many levels, that it is difficult to see how Energex could have selected it as their preferred option."

According to some who attended the recent meeting, Energex intends to pay lip service only to the community consultation process which starts in early 2009 . Several residents recently took up offers of on-site meetings with Energex staff. They all reported that although four options for delivery of power to the Jimboomba area had been canvassed, the advice was that Energex had firmly settled upon the Logan River option, and did not intend to change its position.

"This means that the community consultation process will be a sham. Apparently, we are meant to smile and nod and accept whatever is put to us" said Slingsby., " We have a rather different response in mind."

"The name VETO may sound familiar " Slingsby continued . " In 1996 a group of residents formed a previous incarnation of VETO to fight a Labor government proposal to run the M1 through the Daisy Hill koala habitat. They took their battle all the way to the ballot box, and that eventually cost the government the election. We hope it won't need to come to that, but we are preparing for all eventualities! In any event, the VETO of 2008 intends to approach this proposal with the same skill and enthusiasm as its predecessors. We will hold a public meeting (in a larger venue next time) in early 2009 and look forward to meeting others who also wish to fight this proposal "

Anyone wanting further information on VETO in the meantime is invited to contact Maree Slingsby on 0408 765847 or veto[at]legalsolutions.net.au