It was thrilling to see such a significant turn out at the Council Chambers on the 11 August 08. Around 80 people filled the chamber to demonstrate their opposition to Western Power's proposed project. 

I was at first heartened to hear that Western Power were proposing a "fresh start" to the whole project, and that it would be re-examining the need for Eastern Terminal.

I even took Western Power representative's revelation that there had been misinformation and confusion over the project, to be acknowledgement of its failure to honestly and openly consult with the community. 

It was a telling demonstration of the strength of community concern over the project, that 600 submissions were received by Western Power.

Unfortunately my growing good feeling all but evaporated as I watched in horror as Western Power reinforced the view that it viewed Eastern Terminal as the overall best solution. It was as if all the submissions they received arguing why it wasn't the best overall solution where ignored and not acknowledged.

It was also clear that the building of the terminal would still be sought for the Hacketts Gully area, with Western Power offering a 500m buffer to residential homes! This is despite their commitment of May 2002, not to build Eastern Terminal anywhere in Hacketts Gully.

This unease and mistrust I have developed of Western Power has stemmed from the research I have conducted into who is supportive of this project and how Western Power deal with communities who are in the way of it's projects. The evidence of the strength of the support from the coal industry and related organisations, CMFEU and Labor MP's can be found here (if you have any trouble down loading the document, please contact me and I can supply you with a copy).