Community and Stakeholder Engagement

Western Power continues to engage with the Geraldton community and is currently working through a number of issues raised by these stakeholders (related primarily to the overhead option) such as a line route through Beachlands and the impact of an overhead line on the amenity of the area.

It should be noted that there are other options under consideration which are currently being developed to reinforce the Geraldton CBD and Geraldton Port area. These options will be presented to the community at the next options deliberation engagement session for their feedback. Further stakeholder and community engagement is being planned for early-mid 2012, and this engagement will continue throughout the entire project.

Our Geraldton-based field officer, Brian Logan, can be contacted regarding this project on (08) 9921 0310 or email brian.logan@westernpower.com.au.

Project engagement history

A number of suggestions and comments were received at previous community and stakeholder engagement sessions. This feedback is noted, and Western Power continues to explore alternatives, although the timing of this is dependent on customer negotiations.

Drop-in information session December 2011

Western Power was aiming for an options deliberation session on the 6 December regarding the proposed new port area substation and power line as part of the Geraldton Port and CBD Power Requirements Project. Work had been progressing well in the lead up to this session. However as you may be aware, the Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) recently passed a draft decision on Western Power's pre New Facilities Investment Test (NFIT) submission for the Mid West Energy Project (MWEP) Southern Section.

In light of the ERA’s draft determination on the Mid West Energy Project (MWEP) Southern Section and ongoing delays to the Geraldton Port/ CBD project due to customer negotiations, the session was used as an opportunity to answer community questions in an informal one to one setting. The original intention of this session was to use the time as an option deliberation workshop however it was determined that this would be premature. The purpose of the drop-in session was therefore to:

  • provide the community with an overview of Western Power's pre NFIT submission
  • discuss the draft determination, what it means and the work Western Power is doing to respond and provide additional information
  • discuss the current status of MWEP Southern Section and MWEP Northern Section
  • answer any questions on the Geraldton Port and CBD Power Requirement Project.

Around 25 community members attended. Almost all discussion was focused on the Port/CBD project, with concern continuing to be expressed around the overhead transmission line option and possible substation locations opposite the residential area.

Information session April 2011

On 18 April 2011, Western Power hosted a Stakeholder Briefing Session and a Stakeholder & Community Information session at POSH Events and Functions, Marine Terrace, Geraldton, for residents and stakeholders interested in the Geraldton CBD and Geraldton Port Power Requirements project.

The purpose of the session was for Western Power to provide the community and stakeholders with project and network information and work to date, and to listen to and capture the feedback, thoughts, ideas, questions and suggestions of the community (including project option alternatives).

Over 750 invitations were sent to local residents/homeowners who live near to the project area. Advertising was also placed in the Mid West Times and Geraldton Guardian newspapers. The sessions were attended by a total of 72 people, 57 at the evening community and stakeholder session and 15 at the lunchtime industry and stakeholder session.

The session was facilitated by an independent facilitator.

The community were also provided with feedback forms that could be sent in at a later date.