Kojonup to Albany transmission line
Project update – September 2010
As part of our regular review of load projections, network issues and forecast planning, we review and prioritise all projects. Our plans always need to be flexible to accommodate factors such as changes to usage patterns, connection needs and forecasts which mean that we often need to delay, advance or alter projects to meet the identified needs at any given time.
As part of this process, Western Power is currently reviewing options to ensure that the most efficient investment path is chosen to reinforce Albany. The results of this review may lead to the deferment of the new line. If and when the line is required in the future, we will review the preferred corridor to ensure it is still the most suitable option environmentally, economically, socially and technically.
Preferred corridor identified for the Kojonup to Albany transmission line
Following an extensive consultation process with the local community and key stakeholders, and a sustainability assessment of 13 corridor options, Western Power has identified the preferred corridor for the Kojonup to Albany 132,000 volt (132kV) double-circuit transmission line.
The corridor performed best overall in an assessment, which considered the social, environmental, economic and technical impacts of a line. As such, it has been identified by Western Power's independent consultants, GHD, as the least overall impact corridor in which to locate a transmission line. GHD's full report (PDF 2.26mb) explains the sustainability assessment process and provides a detailed numeric comparison of the corridor options showing why one option is preferred over the others.
Please note: Following the publication of the full report, it was identified that revisions to some sections of the impact assessment data were needed. The revisions, which do not affect the outcome of the preferred corridor, are presented in the addendum to the final report (PDF 1.8mb).This Addendum should be read in conjunction with the full report.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group were briefed on the outcome of the assessment and a series of information sessions were held in late April to provide the community with more information on the outcome and next steps. Western Power is now working closely with affected landowners to determine the most suitable line route within the 2km-wide corridor.
Consultation process
Western Power and our independent consultants GHD undertook extensive research and detailed community and stakeholder consultation to ensure that the most suitable corridor for this important piece of infrastructure was identified. More information
Line route selection
In September 2008 Western Power contacted landowners to finalise the line route selection corridor. More information
The project
Two 132,000 volt (132 kV) lines from Kojonup currently supply electricity to Albany.
Due to an increase in electricity use, the transmission system to the Albany region needs to be reinforced. One of the key options to do this is the construction of a new 132,000 volt (132kV) double-circuit transmission line between Kojonup and Albany. Western Power is currently reviewing options to ensure that the most efficient investment path is chosen to reinforce Albany. The results of this review may lead to the deferment of the new line.
See also:
Media update
- 31/03/08 - Preferred corridor chosen for new Kojonup to Albany powerline
- 01/11/07 - Final workshops before preferred line route chosen
- 18/10/07 - Line route confirmed for mine site
- 27/09/07 - Existing Kojonup to Albany line route not an option for new line
- 04/07/07 - New line route corridors for southwest transmission line
- 04/05/07 - Community consultation starts for new powerlines
Project update
- Issue 2, October 2007 (PDF 244kb)
- Issue 1, April 2007 (PDF 260kb)
Contact us
For project and technical matters, please contact Western Power's Project Officer, Lyall Murphy on 08 9326 4744.
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