About the project
Western Power is building a new 28km overhead 330kV transmission line to increase the flow of energy between Perth and the Mid West region enabling the connection of more wind and solar generation. The project is strengthening the backbone of the network for cleaner reliable and affordable energy system for all.
What is the Northern Terminal to Neerabup Terminal project?
Starting at Northern Terminal (in Malaga) on Marshall Road, the new transmission line will travel along Tonkin Highway before entering Neerabup Terminal (in Pinjar) on Neaves Road.
This route was selected as it uses existing infrastructure and easements to minimise overall community impact, while balancing affordability and supporting ongoing important local and State Government projects that will benefit the local community.
Following previous engagement with stakeholders and directly impacted landowners on the new line, we’ve taken the time to assess the concerns raised by the community to minimise these through the design and construction wherever we can.
We’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way and will share construction information to minimise any disruptions on you. Please register for updates on the right. Construction is expected to start in late-2025 and be completed in 2027.
Project map
Explore the proposed line route between the Northern and Neerabup Terminals, highlighted in blue on the map below.
You can click the markers to identify key sites and points on the map.
*The map is a simple representation - location is indicative. Line routes are subject to detailed design and route selection.
Western Power has submitted plans for Northern terminal – Neerabup Terminal renewable energy transmission line for environmental approval following community consultation.
The referral to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for environmental approval under a bilateral assessment is an important step towards a cleaner energy future for all.
A key part of the referral process is public comment and input and we encourage the community to have their say as we work collectively towards achieving WA’s decarbonisation goals.
An assessment decision on the environmental referral is expected to be delivered late-2025 with proposed construction expected to begin shortly after. Community will be kept updated through the process.
Regulatory process:
Federal and State government regulations require all major infrastructure projects, to undergo a robust environmental impact assessment before considering approval of them.
The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and State Environmental Protect Act 1986 (EP Act) form the key statutory framework for environmental assessment and approval in Western Australia.
These Acts, combined, provide robust processes for the conservation and protection of the environment, threatened animals, plants and habitats, Commonwealth Heritage places and World Heritage properties for the benefit of our community and future generations of Western Australians.
For more information on the approval process and steps
visit Department
of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Approval process:
On 21 February 2024 the proposed Northern Terminal to Neerabup Terminal project was referred to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) for State and Commonwealth environmental approval under a bilateral agreement assessment.
A flora, fauna and vegetation survey of the proposed corridor was conducted in Spring 2022 as part of our preparation for this.
What happens next?
The EPA and DCCEEW has validated the referral and set the level of assessment. The level of assessment set by the EPA was Referral Information with additional information (required by s. 40(2)(a)) with public review (s. 40(5)). DCCEEW determined the proposal was a Controlled Action
The full assessment process can take up to 24 months to complete and is subject to an independent public consultation process which may include several periods of public comment.
We encourage the community to have their say as we collectively work towards achieving WA’s decarbonisation goals.
EPA and DCCEEW public comment period
The first public comment period via the Environmental Protection Authority Consultation Hub closed on 7 March 2024. View the referral documents.
The second comment period via the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) closed on 31 May 2024. View the referral documents.
The EPA and DCCEEW will release the project for further comment.
Aboriginal Heritage Approval
Regulatory process
Aboriginal culture is the oldest living culture in the world, requiring recognition, protection, preservation, and management.
The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (the 1972 Act) is the legislation that manages Aboriginal heritage in Western Australia and the laws require different types of approval for activities that may impact or harm Aboriginal heritage, ranging from significant to minor impacts and harm.
Cultural Heritage Assessment
Western Power has undertaken an assessment of the areas in this proposed project where it is likely that Aboriginal heritage will be impacted. On-ground field assessment and engagement with relevant traditional knowledge holders has provided detail regarding Aboriginal sites or objects on the land may be harmed by the proposed land use and provide avoidance and mitigation advice to meet our responsibilities under the 1972 Act.
We will seek approval and obtain a Section 18 consent before progressing any work in the identified areas.
