Engagement process

Engagement on the two projects – Medical Centre and Shenton Park substations – commenced in November 2011.

In seeking approval for each project Western Power will:

  • seek input from the community and stakeholders via workshops and meetings regarding the possible network options. Opportunities for the community to be involved will be advertised through letters, news media, online and face-to-face forums in the impacted areas
  • undertake a transparent and robust assessment and decision-making process for all reasonable options in public, facilitated workshops. A number of workshops may be required to assess and devise the preferred option to ensure all key factors, views and preferences are taken into account and addressed. Criteria for assessment will be based on technical, economic and sustainability requirements (aspirations) and will be finalised and agreed upon collectively before their application
  • determine and enhance the preferred option
  • prepare documentation for statutory approval processes (ERA, EPA, Local or State Government Planning etc). The consultation process will be supplemented with workshops, briefings and online submissions for the preferred option
  • provide a comprehensive “Response to Submissions” document to support the statutory consultation process. 

During construction of each sub-project Western Power will:

  • provide a webpage with updates, information notes and regular letters to affected landowners on the status of the project. This webpage will include a key contact and contact details to address any concerns raised by the broad community during the construction period.  A “Community Response” register will be established to log, track and respond to each key community response or concern
  • arrange personal visits by Western Power staff to discuss community or customer concerns or issues as they arise

Evaluation of the community engagement process will also be undertaken throughout and at the end of each project. In addition, Western Power will provide regular updates via webpage updates, information notes and letters on the status of the overall Reinforcement Project. These will be provided to all relevant stakeholders.