The City of Wanneroo has launched a formal campaign against Western Power's proposed route for a major new electricity transmission line, demanding it be moved further east or placed underground to protect existing and future communities.
Unanimous Council Vote Against Overhead Lines
In a decisive move last week, Wanneroo councillors voted unanimously to back a mayoral motion. The vote authorises Mayor Linda Aitken to formally advocate to Western Power and the Energy Minister, calling for the 24-kilometre, 132-kilovolt line to be rerouted away from residential zones.
The infrastructure is part of Western Power's North Clean Energy Link, designed to expand the state grid and deliver more renewable energy to Perth and the Mid West. The specific section in question would run from the Wangara Substation to the Neerabup Terminal, tracing a path along Ocean Reef Road, Sydney Road, and through a corridor between Lake Gnangara and Jandabup Lake.
Mayor Cites Visual Blight and Land Devaluation
Mayor Linda Aitken expressed shock upon learning the overhead line was planned to cut through the heart of East Wanneroo's future urbanisation. She argues the visual impact is just one concern among many.
"Not only is it a visual impact, it also devalues the land and people's properties within that area," Ms Aitken stated. "But not only that, there has to be about 20m either side of land that's void, so all of that land underneath those transmission lines is lost for housing."
Western Power clarifies the required setback is 10 metres on each side, totalling 20 metres. The mayor contends this represents a significant loss of developable land in an area earmarked for approximately 50,000 new homes over the next five decades.
Calls for Consistency and Community Consideration
The council's position is bolstered by a perceived inconsistency in Western Power's approach. As part of the same broader project, a 6km section connecting Padbury to Wangara substations along Whitfords and Wanneroo Roads is slated to be built underground.
Ms Aitken questions why the same logic isn't applied to the East Wanneroo section. "If they can do it for Joondalup, they can do it for Wanneroo," she argued, suggesting the line could at least be buried along the proposed Whiteman Yanchep Highway corridor.
A Western Power spokesperson told PerthNow the project design has considered the East Wanneroo Structure Plan. They acknowledged the impact but stated routes were refined using road reserves and Crown land where possible to minimise effects.
"We recognise the project will have some impact on people in the area, and remain committed to working closely with them," the spokesperson said, noting landowner engagement began in July.
Despite the city's objections, Western Power maintains its legal authority to proceed under State laws, provided the works meet safety and environmental standards. The utility plans to start construction on the two new transmission lines in early 2026, aiming for completion in 2027.
