Ministerial council to consider future of East Perth Power Station

9/8/01
The State Government has formed a Ministerial Council to consider options for the redevelopment of East Perth Power Station, Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan announced today.
Ms MacTiernan said the Government was committed to ensuring that the heritage-listed building was restored and redeveloped to its fullest potential.
"The building, which is owned by Western Power, is situated in a prime location in the heart of the East Perth redevelopment area and has the potential to become a proud feature of the burgeoning riverside precinct," she said.

"However, redevelopment will incur a hefty restoration bill because of extensive contamination on the site, deteriorating building fabric and major infrastructure relocation requirements."
Western Power had planned to turn the riverside building over to non-profit organisation The National Trust of Australia (WA) but the State Government has asked for the deal to be deferred so the ministerial council can investigate options.
Ms MacTiernan, who will chair the council, said it was essential the eventual recipient of the site had the means to complete redevelopment.
"We intervened before Western Power signed off on the National Trust deal because we need to be certain that the decision on the future of East Perth Power Station site is in the best interests of the community," she said.
"There is evidence of considerable soil contamination and it is important that remediation of the site be undertaken by an authority who has the relevant experience.
"An environmental assessment has shown that the contamination includes ash fill and heavy metal as well as organic and groundwater pollutants."
She said that Deputy Premier and Energy Minister Eric Ripper, Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards, Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens and Culture and the Arts Minister, Sheila McHale would also be council members.
The council will be supported by a steering committee that will include the chief executive officer of East Perth Redevelopment Authority, the managing director of Western Power and the director of the Heritage Council of WA.
Ms MacTiernan said that the steering committee would ensure a collaborative approach when recommending options for the power station's future. There would be consultation with the National Trust and indigenous groups.
"We are open to proposals by the National Trust to be involved in the restoration and management of the Power Station," she said.
"However it is essential that we ensure the site is properly cleaned up for the benefit of the whole community."

The council will have three months to deliberate before making a recommendation to Cabinet.
Media contact: Keri Welham 9213 6400