In early August the SETS Group requested local candidates to provide their personal positions and those of their parties concerning Western Power’s proposed Eastern Terminal.  Most replied in writing, and their positions are summarised below.

Kalamunda electorate

(The Kalamunda electorate would be affected by the Eastern Terminal proposal.)

Juliana Plummer – Labor

Juliana Plummer has kept closely in touch with the Eastern Terminal issues.  Together with the local Labor Branch, she made a submission opposing the Eastern Terminal.  As a local resident she is opposed to the Eastern Terminal proposal and has personally conveyed this opposition to the Minister for Energy.

John Day – Liberal.

John Day is Shadow Minister for Planning and Energy.  He has no clear position concerning the desirability of an Eastern Terminal; the implication is that he would accept the proposal if full consultation occurred and environmental and social impacts were “minimised”.  “Before any decision is made, Western Power has a responsibility to fully consult with the local community and consider all possible options, including possible alternatives to an eastern terminal.  The outcome therefore should be such that any environmental and social impact is minimised.” 

John Day submitted petitions to the Legislative Assembly on behalf of the SETS Group.

Toni Warden – Greens

Toni Warden provided a comprehensive statement outlining strong opposition to the Eastern Terminal proposal, together with steps she would take if elected to further this opposition.   Her statement also listed other Greens Party policies that support this position.  She has been centrally involved in fighting the Eastern Terminal proposal from the outset. 

Darling Range electorate

(The proposed Eastern Terminal would most likely be located within the Darling Range electorate)

Lisa Griffiths – Labor

No reply as of 27/8/08.  Tel message left.

Tony Simpson – Liberal

Tony Simpson has no clear position concerning the current proposal for an Eastern Terminal.  He commits “to opposing any proposal for the Eastern Terminal that will significantly impact on the ability of nearby residents to enjoy the amenity of their property, without adequate financial compensation.”  (However, compensation is not normally available in such circumstances).  He would “also oppose any proposal where it can be proven that there is a high likelihood that it will significantly impact on the local environment or the water supply stored in Lake C.Y.O’Conner (sic)”.  (Current proposals for an Eastern Terminal would most likely affect the Middle Helena catchment, rather than the Mundaring (C.Y. O’Connor) catchment.)

East Metropolitan Region (Legislative Council)

Helen Morton – Liberal

Helen Morton has taken a close interest in the issue, attended a meeting of Hacketts Gully residents in March, assisted with research, submitted a petition to the Legislative Council, and presented many questions to the Minister for Energy on behalf of the SETS Group.  She does not indicate a preferred position, but is committed to “doing what I can to make sure that all parties are held accountable and responsible in the planning and consultation of a proposed Eastern Terminal switchyard/substation.”  Echoing Shadow Minister John Day, she states that “I want to see clear evidence that this additional substation is essential, that alternative sites are thoroughly considered and investigated, and that whatever site is chosen, environmental and social impacts are minimal.”

Other East Metropolitan candidates did not respond to the Group’s request.