Community views included in Hills power project
Release Date: 04 December 2008
Last weekend representatives from the Hills community joined Western Power in reviewing options for Phase one of the Powering Perth's Communities project to determine a connection point for a new major powerline linking into the metropolitan grid.
Western Power's Approvals and Development Manager, Mr Ian Buchanan said that everyone who nominated to be part of the focus group was accepted.
"I would personally like to thank the Focus Group members for their participation on the weekend and also the local community interest groups who made presentations to the meeting.
"Those comments and feedback will help guide Western Power's decision on where and how the new line will connect into the network."
"During the workshop six possible options for a tie in to the existing network were discussed. Details on those six options can be viewed on Western Power's website.
"To help come to a preferred option, the group visited the site of the proposed tie in, near the corner of Mundaring Weir Road and Bahen Road, Hackett's Gully, to get a clear picture of the impact various tie in options would have.
"The site visit helped the group understand issues such as clearing and the visual impact from both roads.
"The general consensus of the Focus Group was that Option 6A was the preferred outcome, however it was noted that Option 1 was equally preferable by a number of participants over the other options presented.
"Option 1 is the originally proposed gantry at the Bahen Road intersection; option 6A is very similar and consists of a gantry at Bahen Road intersection with a pole replacing the current tower.
"Choosing a location for Phase One of the project does not necessarily mean that Phase Two of the project will be located in the Hackett's Gully area. Phase 2 will determine if and where a terminal switchyard is required.
"Western Power will now review Phase 1 preferences before making a recommendation to senior management, who are expected to make a final decision on the location of the tie in by mid January.
"Western Power recognises that this proposal is of concern to the Hill's community and appreciates that while community members took part in the meeting some do not endorse the project," Mr Buchanan said.
Western Power has now uploaded onto its website the information that was provided to Focus Group members on the weekend and will upload next week all questions and answers that were discussed during the Focus Group meeting.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
