Preferred corridor chosen for Kojonup to Albany powerline
Release Date: 31 March 2008
After extensive consultation with the local community Western Power has identified the preferred corridor for the new powerline between Kojonup and Albany.
A map outlining the corridor is now available in the Kojonup and Albany consultation process section of the website.
Western Power’s Major Projects Coordinator, Mr Ian Buchanan said the preferred corridor, a combination of the red and yellow options was a clear choice in the sustainability assessment, which considered social/cultural, environmental and economic factors.
“The corridor begins on the red option between Kojonup and the Muir Highway west of Mt Barker, then follows the yellow option to the west of Narrikup before rejoining the red option to Albany.
“Western Power will write to landowners affected by the preferred corridor and advise them of the decision and provide a detailed map of the corridor. Letters will also be sent to those landowners whose properties are within the other options that were considered to confirm their properties are no longer affected.
“Currently the corridor is approximately 2km wide for most of its length. Once the final line route is determined, in consultation with each landowner along the corridor, the width of the easement, or ‘safety zone’ will be advised. This may vary depending on the design of the line, but it is expected to be up to 50 metres wide.
“The selected corridor affects approximately 150 landowners, however the number of landowners actually affected by the line will reduce significantly with the establishment of a line route within the corridor.
Mr Buchanan thanked the community for their contribution in determining the most suitable place for the powerline.
“Community members have made significant contributions from a whole range of community representatives, and we’d like to thank them for giving up their time during this process.
“Special thanks must go to the Stakeholder Advisory Group who made a substantial contribution to this project. They consisted of a broad cross section of stakeholders between Kojonup and Albany.
“The group met three times and helped select and refine the three corridor options while also providing Western Power with invaluable local knowledge, which was used to help find the corridor with the least overall impact.
This project will provide many benefits to the region including increased power capacity, improved reliability, the potential for greater economic development and a network access point for potential future renewable energy projects.
“When undertaking a project such as this, Western Power faces the challenge of carefully balancing the competing needs of various stakeholders, and the wider community.
The Corridor Selection Report, produced by independent consultant, GHD will be available on Western Power’s website on 1 May 2008.
Western Power will now work closely with landowners to determine the most suitable line route within the preferred corridor.
Western Power’s Project Officers Allan Enright and Mark Stevens will contact and meet potentially affected landowners individually to discuss their preferences for the location of the line route on their property.
Western Power will be holding a series of Information Sessions for affected landowners towards the end of April to explain the corridor decision in greater detail.
Contact us
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
