FPÖ criticism of plans

Will there be a referendum on Enns power plants?

Several hydropower plants are to be built on the Enns.

(Bild: Jürgen Radspieler)

The plans for several hydroelectric power plants along the River Enns in Pichl and in the municipality of Haus are causing a stir: the local population, tourism association and the Freedom Party are highly critical of the plans. The latter now want to table a parliamentary question and are considering a referendum.

Hydroelectric power plants are to be built at at least three locations on the River Enns. It is not only the region's tourism association that has concerns, the FPÖ is now also voicing its criticism.

Parliamentary inquiry and referendum as expedient
The Freedom Party has tabled a parliamentary inquiry to find out what Governor Drexler (ÖVP) thinks about the plans. In addition, according to the FPÖ, Ursula Lackner (SPÖ), State Councillor for the Environment, and Simone Schmiedtbauer (ÖVP), State Councillor responsible for water management, should comment on the authorities' expertise and the potential impact on the natural environment. "The position of the People's Party at provincial level will be particularly interesting, as local ÖVP figures are currently campaigning against the project," says Schladming city party leader Eva-Maria Kroismayer-Baier (FPÖ).

(Bild: stock.adobe.com, Krone KREATIV)

The Schladming Freedom Party is also considering initiating a referendum. "A referendum could bring about a decision," emphasizes Kroismayer-Baier. Although the FPÖ is fundamentally in favor of energy generation using hydropower, the tourism region affected in this case is unsuitable.

"Hydropower only where it makes sense"
For the FPÖ, one thing is certain: "These river areas must be preserved for Schladming as a tourist location, but above all as a local recreation area for locals. Our position is clear: hydropower only where it makes sense. In other words, with as little impact on the natural environment and population as possible in order to achieve the greatest possible benefit. This is clearly not the case with the Enns power plants and therefore these projects should be stopped," Kroismayer-Baier emphasizes the point of view.