Helicopters are being used to string the first power lines for Western Australia's biggest electricity infrastructure project in 25 years.
The Mid West Energy Project (MWEP) is building a 190 km long transmission line from Neerabup, north of Perth, to Eneabba at a cost of $443million.
Helicopters are used to thread power lines through the 388 transmission towers, which are more than 60 metres tall.
Inspecting the aerial work today, Energy Minister Mike Nahan said the project was a vital investment in opening up the resources-rich Mid-West region.
"The transmission line will supply industry and help drive economic growth in the region. It will facilitate the bulk transfer of electricity to and from the Mid-West," Dr Nahan said.
"The Mid West Energy Project is one of the most important infrastructure projects in WA. The transmission lines will have the capacity to feed new resources projects and help tap the economic opportunities in this region.
"This project itself is creating jobs for West Australians, employing just over 300 people, but it will create more in the long run by powering growth in the Mid-West.
"This mineral rich region contributes about $2.5billion to the total value of WA's exports and demand for electricity for more new mining sites is expected to grow in the coming years."
The Minister said the MWEP would use more steel than the Eiffel Tower. It will also support renewable energy generators in the Mid-West corridor.
"This State Government is working towards a clean energy future and are building the infrastructure that will be able to support renewable generation feeding into the grid for decades to come," Dr Nahan said.
The transmission line will ultimately terminate at the recently constructed Three Springs Terminal which was energised last year, with power now flowing to Gindalbie and Ansteel's Karara iron ore mine.
"Karara contributed significant funding towards the construction of this transmission line. This project is symbolic as an example of the mining sector contributing to the building of critical infrastructure for the State," the Minister said.
The southern section of the project is being built by Downer EDI Engineering Power. The MWEP project is scheduled for completion by mid-2014.
Fact File
Minister's office - 6552 5700
