Power lines lifted to cut transport costs, Duncan

Author: Wendy Duncan
Published on: 25-March-2010

Transport and mining companies have been given some relief from the debilitating costs of transporting large loads with a decision to permanently raise the height of some power lines along Great Eastern Highway.

Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Hon Wendy Duncan MLC welcomed the decision and said she had represented the concerns of a number of transport operators after hearing first-hand that in many instances the cost of power line lifts was higher than the cost of the transport job itself.

“Some mining companies were facing bills of more than $5000 to have heavy equipment moved. This decision will reduce costs for the transport industry and transport costs for the mining industry,” Ms Duncan said.

“Great Eastern Highway is a major arterial route into Western Australia and I welcome Western Power and the State Government working together to enable a more cost efficient transport industry,” Ms Duncan said.

Funding has been provided, and designs completed for the raising of power lines and service leads along Great Eastern Highway in five locations for completion this year. These sites are in Bakers Hill, Kellerberrin, Merredin, Glen Forrest and Northam North. Western Power will be assessing all other lines along this route.