PRESS RELEASE

New information indicates that the “gantry structure” Western Power plans to build in Hacketts Gully is likely to threaten picturesque Kalamunda National Park.

The threat was revealed through a question put to the Minister for Energy by Darling Range MLA John Day. Mr Day asked what alternatives to the Eastern Terminal were being considered. Minister Fran Logan’s recently received reply states: “Connecting the proposed new high voltage 330 kV transmission line from the south west, via the Kalamunda area, directly in to the existing Guildford Terminal substation is the alternative being considered. This option potentially involves considerable environmental impact upon the Kalamunda National Park . . .”

In meetings over the past couple of weeks Western Power representatives confirmed this possibility and indicated that it would involve the clearing of 25 hectares (over 60 acres) of bushland in the Park for a new transmission line.

Piesse Brook cut a spectacular valley through the escarpment to create what is now Kalamunda National Park. The Park is popular with walkers and picnickers, wildflower enthusiasts and photographers. In spring there is a profusion of wildflowers. Last year David Attenborough filmed natural history footage in the Park.

For the past seven years the community volunteer organization “Friends of Piesse Brook” has worked to rehabilitate the National Park through plantings and weed eradication. On 28 March Friends group members expressed dismay when they were briefed about the latest development, during the Group’s annual general meeting.

Dr Alan Lonsdale, convenor of the action group opposing the Eastern Terminal, said this latest news is a “triple whammy”. If the Eastern Terminal is not built but the gantry structure at the intersection of Mundaring Weir and Bahen Roads becomes permanent, “Kalamunda National Park would be threatened, the Hacketts Gully residents would have a huge eyesore at the only entrance to their community. As well, the structure would be visible from Mundaring Weir Road which carries thousands of tourist vehicles each year from the picturesque valleys of Carmel, Bickley and Piesse Brook to Mundaring Weir and nearby attractions.”

“But”, he said, “the story gets worse”. Western Power is now stating that the Eastern Terminal, although delayed, must be commenced within five years. The function of the Eastern Terminal would be to distribute power from Collie to the Perth metropolitan area. “How would this additional power get there? It’s very likely that, in time, there would be a new line from the ET through Kalamunda National Park”.

This is a real “catch 22” situation. “Whether or not the Eastern Terminal is built, it’s now apparent that Western Power’s plans would result in significant damage to the National Park”.

For more information see the Action Group’s website: www.stopeasternterminal.org.au.

. . . .ends

Authorised by:

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