Convenor of the Stop the Eastern Terminal Action Group, Dr Alan Lonsdale, said the Group is greatly concerned by Western Power’s announcement.

“This is not an “innovative solution”, as we believe from studying Western Power’s reports that such a development is not urgent. Further community consultation can occur without the need for this construction.”

The Eastern Terminal substation project is not even mentioned in Western Power’s Transmission and Distribution Annual Planning Report for 2007. Further, a report to Western Power by the SKM consulting company states that that Option 6 (the Eastern Terminal option) could be deferred while future generation patterns and demand are identified with greater certainty.

Of far greater concern is the implication that Western Power has already decided that this area in Hacketts Gully is the preferred site for the Eastern Terminal, even though earlier it had been ruled out by Western Power. Western Power wrote to affected residents of Bahen Road, Hacketts Gully in 2002 stating “Following a review of the long term electrical load requirements for the east metropolitan area, we wish to advise that a terminal station is no longer required at Location 3897 Mundaring Weir Road, Hacketts Gully. We also have no intention to acquire an alternative site in areas close to Hacketts Gully as previously advised”.

Community members are not convinced that Western power is genuine about engaging the community in the identification of a site. “Our belief is that Western Power’s preferred site is still in Hacketts Gully.”

The 12 month delay, which was actually announced last December, is a result of the strong concerns expressed by the community about the environmental, social and economic implications of the proposal.

The Group wrote to the managing director of Western Power on 3/12/2007 documenting deficiencies in the consultation process to that point. This latest development graphically illustrates the community’s concerns, as there has been no advice to or consultation with residents of Hacketts Gully.

In that letter the action group requested:

Accordingly, as a matter of urgency and for the reasons outlined in this letter, we formally request:

a) that decisions concerning the specific location and the construction of the proposed terminal substation are deferred until adequate consultation with the community has occurred, and the matters raised in our forthcoming submission are considered,

b) that Western Power recommences the consultation process, ensuring that all key stakeholders are consulted, all relevant information is provided in documents that are readily available to stakeholders, and adequate time is available for consultation,

c) that the process is such as to ensure that sustainability assessment and stakeholder engagement are integrated with planning processes, and

d) that the SETS Action Group is provided with early advice on the revised timetable for decision making and planning for this project.

We are greatly disappointed that we have still not received a reply from the managing director but, along with directly affected residents, have learned about this through the media.

...ends

Authorised by:

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