Release Date: 06 September 2006
Western Power’s public information sessions held at Borden, Kojonup and Broomehill last week attracted community members and approximately 70% of landowners directly affected by the proposed transmission line planned to run from Muja to supply Grange Resources future iron ore mine at Wellstead, east of Albany.
Large aerial maps of the proposed line route and visual simulations of the line on farm properties were the biggest attractions.
Western Power Major Projects Coordinator, Mr Ian Buchanan said the public information session format was the most effective way to provide information.
"Western Power's experience has shown that the best way to satisfy all
people wanting information is to allow each of them to be able to speak with the range of experts involved in the project.
"Public information sessions allow everyone to have a say and most importantly, allow Western Power to record the views of everyone affected.
"The sessions allowed us to answer questions about Western Power’s role as the transporter of electricity. No matter where Grange chooses to source its power, lines will still be needed to transmit electricity to the mine," he said
Each landowner directly affected by the line route has now been contacted.
"At the information sessions they viewed records of their interviews and details of information collated about their property by Western Power.
Representatives from Landcare and Grange Resources also provided information at the sessions.
Grange Resources has requested a proposal from Western Power to provide a suitable connection to the power grid to enable it to source its electricity needs.
Western Power is developing the proposed line route in response to this request to deliver power from its 220kV substation at Muja, being the most cost effective option for grid connection.
Western Power is 7 weeks into its 6 month consultation period. Further interviews with landowners are planned and as a result of information gained through the consultation period line route changes may occur.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 7 September 2006
