By Jacinta Goerke
HILLS’
residents can expect their property values to drop should Western Power push
through their proposed eastern terminal substation in the Kalamunda forest.
The
proposed substation, likely to be constructed in Hackett’s Gully, has been on
Western Power’s agenda for at least 18 years [1]although
hills’ people have no idea what the substation will look like nor the impact it
will have on their lives.
Long-term
hills’ resident, geologist and climate change specialist Mr Gary Warden said
the proposed substation, towers and transmission lines will require the
ultimate clearing of at least 400 hectares which is equivalent to the size of Kings Park[2].
“This
will involve the clearing of 20 hectares [3]of
land for the construction of the proposed substation followed by removing a
further 400 hectares of forest to make way for 14 corridors comprising large
towers and high voltage power lines,” said Mr Warden.
“Ultimately,
the substation and its associated corridors of towers and lines over Perth
hills will look like a spider web[4]
and detract from the natural beauty of the area,” said Mr Warden.
Mr Warden said Western Power
documents state the initial development in Hacketts Gully would be noticeable
from Piesse Brook and the Mundaring
Weir Road tourist drive.
“However
additional power lines and towers could extend over Perth hills in 14 different directions,” he said.
“Affected
suburbs are likely to be Lesmurdie, Kalamunda, Carmel,
Walliston, Forrestfield, Gooseberry Hill, Maidavale, High Wycombe, Piesse
Brook, Pickering Brook, Bickley, Helena
Valley, Mundaring, Sawyers Valley,
Pauls Valley,
and Darlington[5],”
said Mr Warden.
Mr
Warden said a number of residents suggested the lines be sunk, but sinking the
power lines was neither technically feasible nor appropriate because forest
would still need to be removed.
Mr
Warden said what shocks residents is not only what Western Power plans to do in
the next few years, but what is on its agenda for the next ten to 20
years.
“The
hills and state forest will eventually be a mass of towers and lines that will
adversely affect property values and the livelihood of plant and animal
species.”
Journalist: Jacinta Goerke
Researchers: Toni Warden, Gary Warden