Gindalbie Metals LTD

A transmission line upgrade between Eneabba and Karara (via Three Springs)

Western Power and Gindalbie Metals Ltd are proposing to upgrade the existing transmission line from Eneabba to Koolanooka (via Three Springs), with an extension to Karara.

The Upgrade Project involves the construction of a new 180-kilometre transmission line and will service the Karara Iron Ore Project and the Mid West region into the future. Western Power will own and operate the line from Eneabba to Koolanooka. Gindalbie will own and operate the line from Koolanooka to Karara.

Both organisations will work closely to ensure the best possible project outcomes are achieved for the community and region.

The project
For the majority of its length, the new line is proposed to be constructed adjacent to the existing 132, 000 volt (132kV) transmission line which travels between Eneabba, Three Springs and the Golden Grove mine, with the potential for refinements to this route.

The upgraded 330, 000 volt (330kV) transmission line between Eneabba and Koolanooka will be energized to 330kV on one side and 132kV on the other. The 330kV component will then continue from Koolanooka to Karara (located 50km north east of Perenjori).

The existing transmission line (between Eneabba and Koolanooka) will be removed once the new line is in operation.

Western Power and Gindalbie will work closely with the local community to minimise the impacts of this project on landowners.

The project proposes to include terminal substations in both Eneabba and Three Springs (locations to be determined during the consultation process), and a metering station at the point where the line leaves the existing 132kV alignment and travels to Karara.

The transmission line will be supported by lattice steel towers, which are typically 50 metres high and are placed at approximately 400-500 metre intervals.

As with any home or business, Western Power will be providing a connection to the network. Gindalbie, as a major customer of the increased power supply, is making a significant cost contribution to the Upgrade Project.

More project information can be found in the Project information Sheet.

Benefits for the region
The line and associated infrastructure will be available for use by other operators in the area and will improve and strengthen the Western power transmission network in the Mid West region. This will ultimately enhance reliability of power supply to the community.

Timing
Consultation process – July 2008 – ongoing
Line route finalised – October 2008
Environmental surveys – October/November 2008

Environmental approvals sought – October/November 2008
Landowner compensation negotiated -
Construction commences -

Community Engagement
Western Power and Gindalbie will work closely with the local community to ensure the benefits for the community and region are maximised and shared, and that any impacts on landowners, the community and the environment are minimised.

This project will pass through privately owned land.

KD.1 Pty Ltd. (KD.1), a company that specializes in landowner liaison has been engaged to carry out the consultation work necessary for the project. KD.1 will meet individually with all potentially affected landowners to discuss their requirements and identify refinements to the proposed line route in order to minimise impact where possible.

Community consultation specialists Estill & Associates will be undertaking the broader community engagement on behalf of Western Power and Gindalbie. Community members are encouraged to get involved in the process.

Community information sessions
Western Power in conjunction with Gindalbie are hosting a series of community information sessions in the Mid West to provide further information about the project, and to provide an opportunity to meet the Western Power project team.

We strongly encourage the community to attend one of these sessions, details of which are provided below.

Perenjori  - Tuesday 29 July 2008
The Pavilion,  Fowler St, Perenjori
1pm-3.30pm

Three Springs - Wednesday 30 July 2008
Three Springs Recreation Centre
9.00am – 11.30am

At each session, a project overview presentation will be provided and participants will be able to provide comment on the project, advise of any associated constraints and ask questions of the project team.

These sessions are just one part of an ongoing consultation process which will include individual meetings with potentially affected landowners and regular community updates.

Contact us
If you would like to be kept informed about the project, have any queries, or would like to be involved in the process, please contact our team:
• Phone 1800 012 498
• Email gindalbie@westernpower.com.au
• Fax (08) 9355 1411

Information about Western Power can be found on their website http://www.westernpower.com.au/