PRESS RELEASE

Strong community opposition has forced Western Power to delay by twelve months the decision on the site of its proposed Eastern Terminal substation in the Perth Hills.

Western Power proposes to build the terminal substation, which would eventually cover an area of 20 hectares, in the forest east of Kalamunda on land which is Priority 1 or 2 Water Catchment area.

The community reaction, expressed through hundreds of letters and postcards to the Minister for Energy, petitions to Parliament and questions to Ministers, was in response to Western Power’s announcement in October 2007 that the site decision would be made in December 2007, with construction planned to commence in December 2008.

The proposed area is enjoyed not only by Hills residents but also by thousands of Perth people who use the Bibbulmun Track, the Munda Biddi Mountain Bike Trail and other trails, and enjoy the picnic areas, the flora and fauna, and other recreational pursuits.

The “Stop the Eastern Terminal Action Group” believes that the proposal would have very serious consequences for the Shire of Kalamunda.

Convenor of the group, Bickley resident Dr Alan Lonsdale, said that whilst the environmental impact of a terminal substation would be very substantial, of even greater concern is the fact that the substation would have the capability of being linked to up to 21 new high voltage transmission lines.

“These would fragment the forest, with serious consequences for the landscape, the environment, water catchments, and tourism and other businesses in the area,” he said. “ It is likely that in time, additional lines will traverse the escarpment to connect to the metropolitan power grid.”

“It is inconceivable that Western Power should be able to construct such a facility in this area,” he added. “We are looking at a total area of forest potentially the size of Kings Park. Western Power must be persuaded to stop this development in the Perth Hills.”

The Action Group has been invited to make a presentation to the Shire of Kalamunda Planning Services Committee on Monday, February 11, following Western Power’s presentation to the same Committee last December, at which they announced the delay.

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Authorised by:

Dr Alan Lonsdale
Convenor Stop the Eastern Terminal Substation Action Group
lonsdale1@iinet.net.au
9293 8106