Independent Member for Alfred Cove welcomes the findings of Western Power's community options analysis survey.

"The findings clearly indicate the community's preference for not situating a new or upgraded power substation within a residential area," said Dr Woollard.

"They prefer instead to have these substations industrial areas."

Dr Woollard said the findings released  by Western Power on 2 February showed that establishing a new 132kV substation at O'Connor was the 'best option', while a new substation in Bicton was viewed as the 'worst option'.  The survey findings can be found at http://www.westernpower.com.au/documents/  projectDocuments/fremel/Options_Analysis_ community_survey_findings.pdf.

"These findings support the actions of community members in many suburbs including Bicton who are lobbying to preserve what little public open space they have," said Dr Woollard.

"It communicates the community's wishes for an end to amenity problems, such as noise pollution, brought about by power substations being close to their homes."

Dr Woollard said details of the next Western Power's community consultation session are:

Date: 2 March 2010

Time: 5-8 pm

Venue: Melville Recreation Centre, Arts and Craft Room, Corner of Stock Rd and Canning Highway

"I encourage as many people as possible to attend this session so their views could be considered during the planning process," said Dr Woollard.

"Western Power has said they will listen to all views and concerns during this session before providing a response by their technical experts in May."

Dr Woollard said if community members are unable to attend, they could comment on the survey findings or provide their viewpoint on the Western Power's project blog.  The blog is at www.youhavethepower.com.au.

Dr Woollard said copies of Western Power's community options analysis survey is available at her Electorate Office.

Note to Journalist/Editor

Residents in Bicton are gathering signatures for a petition to Western Power in the effort to keep their public open space on 24 Fifth Street Bicton.  The signatures will also be submitted to the City of Melville.  The contact persons for the Bicton Residents Group are Carmel Kranz (9339 4906) or Margaret Tresize (0417 993 744).