By Jacinta Goerke
WESTERN Australia’s remaining bio-diverse
region is set to be damaged should Western Power push through their proposed
eastern terminal substation with interconnecting power lines and towers through
Perth hills.
Long-term hills’ resident, geologist
and climate change specialist Mr Gary Warden this week said Western Power must
be aware their project is likely to contribute to the destruction of one of the
world’s five remaining rich environmentally significant areas.
“The majority of hills’ residents
have no idea they are living in and near one of the earth’s few remaining
bio-diverse hot spots,” said Mr Warden.
“The forest of Perth
hills and south-west of this state contain thousands of species that are unique
to the area,” said Mr Warden.
Mr Warden said government-funded
research shows only seven per cent of the south west remains forested and this
unique landscape is now under threat.[1]
“Satellite pictures undeniably show
there has already been massive clearing of native vegetation across significant
parts of the south west eco-region,” said Mr Warden.
“Western Power has indicated that in
addition to the 20 hectares of land[2]
to be cleared for the terminal substation, the entire project would include new
power lines requiring up to 14 new cleared corridors measuring 40 to 60 metres
in width and destroying up to six hectares of forest per kilometre of corridor.
“This would see a forested area the
size of Kings Park being cleared,” said Mr Warden.
Mr Warden said Western Power has
revealed that the main purpose of the eastern terminal substation is to bring
electricity generated from coal-fired power stations being built east of Collie
to Perth.[3]
Mr Warden said it is inconceivable
that in the face of climate change we are building more coal-fired power
stations and destroying hundreds of hectares of forest.
“It is no wonder Western Australia’s dependence on coal-fired
power is the reason we have the highest per capita emissions of greenhouse
gases[4]
on the planet, said Mr Warden.
Mr Warden said Western Australians should
oppose Western Power’s push to construct a highly contentious corridor of power
lines through one of the world’s rarest bio-diverse environments.
He said concerned residents can
demonstrate their opposition to coal-fired power by contacting Synergy and
switching to ‘Natural Power’.[5]
“The more people switch to natural
power the less need there is to expand coal-fired power stations.”
Journalist: Jacinta Goerke
Researchers: Toni Warden, Gary Warden