FORMED in response to the potential placement of a pylon or pole electricity system from Tynong to Wonthaggi as part of the Desalination project, the Power Grid Option Group (PGOG) has stepped up a gear in lobbying the government to bury the obtrusive powerlines.

Formed in June, the PGOG wants the government to “take a visionary approach and adopt world’s best practice technology”, according to PGOG chairman Alan Fraser.

“Our preference is for the underground path to follow as much crown land, road corridors and existing easements as possible to ensure that compensation and disruption to people’s lives is kept to a minimum,” Mr Fraser said.

A major concern to landholders is the potential for the pylons to curtail operations and reduce land values.

“This is a precedent case for future extensions to the Victorian grid and we are hoping that the government will see merit in what we are suggesting.”

A well-attended landholder meeting at Lang Lang on Monday night, drew in new memberships and expressions of support and the PGOG will address the recently released environmental effects statement which includes an option for burying the powerlines to the Wonthaggi region.

The Group will be meeting with Minister Tim Holding in early September to discuss their case and have been buoyed by support from the Cardinia Shire who have taken immediate steps to address the environmental impact statement and the potential imposition of a pylon system through the shire.