Power line causes excitement: Tourism in danger!
Power line causes excitement: Tourism in danger!
In the Lienz local council, a planned major project by Austria Power Grid (APG) ensures violent discussions. On March 26, 2025, TVBO chairman Franz Theurl expressed his concerns about the renewal of the 220 KV management between Lienz and Obertilliach. This is the exchange of 119 old electricity pylons against 121 new, larger masts over a distance of around 35 kilometers.
Theurl's concern is the associated impairment of the tourist attractiveness of the region. He describes the project as "collateral damage to tourism" and presents visualizations that show how the new Stromstrasse could affect the view of the forests and peaks of the Lienz Dolomites. However, the informed district was modest at the APG's events, which were organized to inform the public. Media representatives were allowed to appear at an information event on June 18, 2022, but photography of the presentation was prohibited.
controversy about information policy
Theurl calls for a rethink from APG and suggests that the line be relocated underground so as not to further burden the landscape. The municipal council members, including Mayor Elisabeth Blanik, are irritated and uninformed about the exact locations of the planned masts. The first mast is actually built in Lienz, directly at the substation.
In the discussion about the project, local mayors also comment. Bernhard Zanon from Leisach speaks to weighing up the advantages and disadvantages, while Markus Einhauer from Tristach emphasizes that no impairment by the management is acceptable in the local recreation area. APG spokesman Fritz Wöber criticizes the visualizations presented by Theurl as inaccurate and indicates that many residents are happy that the line disappears from the valley floor.
global challenges and local effects
Infrastructure projects such as that of the APG are also a reflection of global trends that are often associated with local resistance and disappointments. As is determined in a comprehensive analysis, new infrastructures that are supposed to bring progress and prosperity are often difficult for the local population. The prerequisite for sustainable developments in the region is an extensive participation of the citizens, which is often neglected in the past. With regard to wind power and renewable sources, it is often pointed out that the voices of those directly affected are far too rarely taken into account in the planning. This can lead to a loss of quality of life, resources and earning opportunities, as can also be observed in the current project.
The Tourismus Association East Tyrol (TVBO) plans to make a statement as part of the UVP procedure in order to adequately attach the concerns of the local population and to find a sustainable solution for the infrastructural project. These efforts could be an important step to improve communication and participation structures that should be taken into account in future projects.
For the region, it remains to be seen how the APG's project will develop and what specific steps are taken to take the concerns of the residents and the tourism association seriously.
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