Western Power heeds community opposition

Western Power’s announcement that the Eastern Terminal decision process is to be re-started is welcomed by the SETS Group (Stop the Eastern Terminal Action Group).

Following a presentation by Mark de Laeter, Western Power’s General Manager, Customer Services to a packed meeting of Kalamunda Shire Council on Monday night, spokesman for the Group Dr Alan Lonsdale said that the community was greatly heartened by Mr de Laeter’s acknowledgement that Western Power had got it wrong. 

"Throughout this exercise Western Power’s community relations have been a complete disaster, and Mr de Laeter’s statement vindicates the strong community opposition to the Eastern Terminal proposal.”  “Mr de Laeter’s statements that ‘Western Power has certainly heard the voice of the community’, that ‘I certainly acknowledge that we have not handled the process well’, and that ‘I propose restarting the process for solving the challenge’ are very reassuring.”

“This means that the Western Power has abandoned its current flawed site selection process”, said Dr Lonsdale”.  “The fact that of the 600 submissions received by Western Power only 37 were concerned with the process demonstrates both the strength of community opposition to an Eastern Terminal and the community’s rejection of the proposed process.”

“Our understanding is that Western Power will re-commence the entire process.  In consultation with the community, the original decision that an Eastern Terminal is the best solution to upgrading the capacity of the transmission network is to be re-considered.”  “Of great importance is Mr de Laeter’s assurance that this will be based on sustainability principles.  Whereas only economic and technical factors were considered when Western Power originally decided to construct an Eastern Terminal, decision–making will now also be guided by environmental and social factors.” 

“We also understand that a new project team will be appointed by Western Power, and that the procedures for community consultation are to be agreed with the community. This is to involve the Mundaring and Gosnells, as well as the Kalamunda communities.”

While these assurances are heartening, the SETS Group continues to be wary about Western Power’s reluctance to categorically rule out a substation.  “Mr de Laeter’s  statement that the potential development into a terminal substation is unlikely still leaves the door open”, said Dr Lonsdale.  “In addition, the Group rejects Western Power’s claim that a gantry structure is necessary in Hacketts Gully, and will continue to oppose this proposal.”

Residents in the electorates of Darling Range and Kalamunda would be most affected by the Eastern Terminal proposal.  The redistribution of electorates means that each of these seats is now marginal.  “Electors will watch statements about the Eastern Terminal by candidates in these seats with keen interest”, said Dr Lonsdale.