Community consultation starts for new powerlines
Release Date: 04 May 2007
Kojonup to Albany / Albany to Wellstead
Western Power has commenced a six-month consultation process for a new transmission line from Kojonup to Albany, needed to meet growing demand for electricity in the Albany region.
The new line will increase capacity in the Great Southern and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011.
In addition a public consultation process will also be held for a new line from Albany to Wellstead, which will be required if Grange Resources' proposed mine at Wellstead proceeds.
The new 220 kV double-circuit powerline from Kojonup to Albany will reinforce Albany's power supply helping to improve reliability and increase capacity for the southwest. The line will also have the capacity to supply the Grange Resources' mine development in Wellstead if it proceeds with a staged development.
Western Power's Major Projects Coordinator, Mr Ian Buchanan said, "Grange is currently investigating a staged development of the Southdown Project at Wellstead and an outcome into the feasibility study is expected by June 2007.
"A staged development will reduce the amount of power required by Grange in the initial stages of the project, allowing them to combine their power needs with our need to increase capacity to the Albany region.
If the Grange mine does not proceed, Western Power will construct a line to Albany at a lower voltage, 132 kV, which would be sufficient to supply the future power needs of Albany.
"Confirmation by Grange of a staged development will potentially mean the powerline between Kojonup and Wellstead, north of the Stirling Ranges is not required.
"Until Grange makes that decision Western Power must continue with its line route assessment process for the Muja to Southdown line that runs past Gnowangerup, Borden and north east of the Stirling Range.
"We are now inviting communities between Kojonup and Albany, and between Albany and Wellstead to participate in a line corridor selection process to help Western Power achieve the best possible line route."
To accommodate all interested parties, registration for the information sessions is essential.
To register please call Vivian Garde at GHD on telephone: 6222 8419 by Wednesday 2 May.
Dates and times of information sessions*
| Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Kojonup, Kojonup Lesser Hall, Albany Hwy, Kojonup | 9 May 2007, 8 – 10am |
| Tambellup, Tambellup Pavilion, East Tce, Tambellup | 9 May 2007, 7 – 9pm |
| Frankland, Frankland Hall, Wingebellup Rd, Frankland | 10 May 2007, 8 – 10am |
| Cranbrook, Cranbrook Lesser Hall, Gathorne St, Cranbrook | 10 May 2007, 7 – 9pm |
| Kendenup, Kendenup Hall, 41 Hassell Ave, Kendenup | 11 May 2007, 8 – 10am |
| Mount Barker, Frost Pavilion, McDonald Ave, Mount Barker | 15 May 2007, 7 – 9pm |
| Narrikup, Narrikup Community Hall, Spencer Rd, Narrikup | 16 May 2007, 8 – 10am |
| Porongurup, Karribank Country Retreat, Porongurup Rd, Porongurup | 16 May 2007, 7 – 9pm |
| Albany, PCYC, 77 Sanford Rd, Albany | 17 May 2007, 8 – 10am |
| Manypeaks, Manypeaks Hall, South Coast Hwy, Manypeaks | 17 May 2007, 7 – 9pm |
| Wellstead, Wellstead Community Hall, Wellstead St, Wellstead | 18 May 2007, 8 – 10am |
* subject to change
Please contact Western Power's representative Lyall Murphy, with any queries about this project. Telephone: 9326 4744 or 0427 449 829.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
