UPDATE TUESDAY 1pm:
The stand-off between residents of Queensbury Road, Penshurst, and Ausgrid has been resolved for the time being.
About 25 residents trying to stop the power company from installing a new pole-mounted transformer in front of No. 45 walked away quietly after being told by police they had no other option.
An Ausgrid spokesman said it was unfortunate that police were needed to sort out the protest before the work could go ahead.
He said the work today involved the installation of a new pole on which the transformer would be mounted ‘‘in a few days time’’.
The angry residents see that as a window of opportunity to continue their campaign.
‘‘We are still hopeful,’’ said Joy Corvino, whose nature strip will host the pole and whose husband has survived two bouts of cancer.
‘‘All we ask is that they put the transformer in the park.’’
Do you think the residents are right?
UPDATE TUESDAY 10am:
Residents determined to protect their patch from a pole-mounted transformer/substation face arrest as the stand-off between the residents of Queensbury Road Penshurst and Ausgrid continues.
As of mid morning today neither side seemed prepared to give way.
Ausgrid turned up this morning with about seven trucks and a crane and closed the road to begin to install three pole-mounted transformer/substations in the street.
At least 20 residents supported by Oatley MP Mark Coure and Hurstville councillor Colin Drane clustered outside number 45 Queensbury Road and refused access to Ausgrid workers.
Six police cars are on the scene.
Do you know more?
MONDAY STORY:
Ausgrid and the residents of Queensbury Road, Penshurst, are expected to clash Tuesday morning over the installation of a new pole-mounted transformer/substation outside No. 45.
Ausgrid is determined to start work on the much-feared and hated substation and is expected to send in its workers and machinery early morning.
Angry residents, supported by Hurstville councillors and local MPs, say they are determined to stop them.
Residents and supporters will seek an immediate injunction and ‘‘proper consultation’’ with the power supply company. Tying themselves to the power pole is a strong possibility.
They say they have been fobbed off for the past 12 months with the company taking no notice of their health fears or calls for an alternative site.
‘‘We are not letting them get away with it,’’ said resident of No. 45, Enzo Corvino.
‘‘If we don’t take a stand now, what will happen 10 years down the track when research confirms that people die from these emissions?
‘‘There are alternative sites but Ausgrid is just being pig-headed.’’
Ausgrid is replacing two old transformers in the street with three smaller ones, the third of which is planned in front of the Corvino family house.
See related story: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/1921652/residents-tell-ausgrid-back-off/
■ Should the residents give in to Ausgrid or keep fighting?