Release Date: 05 October 2006
Western Power will investigate a new route option for the proposed transmission line from Muja to Wellstead in response to recent community consultation sessions and feedback gathered from directly-affected landowners.
"The Gnowangerup community clearly stated it wanted the proposed line route moved north of the town to Tie Line Road, where there were fewer homesteads affected, larger block sizes and where views to the Stirling Ranges were less likely to be interrupted," Western Power Major Projects Coordinator, Ian Buchanan said.
"It was clear from the public information sessions that the community also wanted to preserve views for tourist traffic coming in and out of Gnowangerup and from Louis' Lookout.
"Public information sessions and direct landowner consultations are an important way for us to understand the views of the broader community, not just the directly affected landowners.
"We wanted to hear from the community about their concerns, and that is exactly what we got. It was a successful process. The information we gathered from these consultations was instrumental in our decision to consider another option for the transmission line.
"Discussions with residents directly affected by the new route option commenced earlier this week and all landowners should be contacted within the next fortnight. The broader community and other stakeholders will then be given the opportunity to comment.
"A decision on the final route will not be made until all stakeholders affected by either of the two options have been consulted.
"We appreciate that no one wants this line travelling across their property. However, as the transporter of electricity, Western Power is obliged to provide access to the electricity grid," Mr Buchanan said.
To provide Grange Resources with the amount of power it needs to run the mine a 220 kV transmission line is needed. The closest power station that has a 220 kV substation is at Muja.
Western Power's website www.westernpower.com.au will continue to be updated with information on this project.
Western Power is proposing to build a 220 kV transmission line from Muja to Wellstead to service Grange Resources proposed iron ore mine 90 km north of Albany.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 6 October 2006
