The proposed policy discriminates against towns on the fringe of grid systems.

This is a major problem for future development of some of the towns in our region.

Jurien Bay, Dalwallinu and Wongan Hills are virtually in no-man’s land from any integrated grid system, and the cost of further development will become more difficult as costs spiral.

In the metropolitan area or developments in a regional area within 25 kilometres of an existing sub-station, will not incur headworks charges at all.

However, business or residential developments on the edge of a grid system would pay big dollars, which puts businesses in these towns in an unenviable position and effectively disadvantages the town’s opportunities of regional development.

Recently two members from the Energising the Wheatbelt project team, also representing the Moora Shire, were invited to attend a meeting at the Dandaragan Shire which had been organised by the Wheatbelt Development Energy Working Party.

Shire economic development manager Rebecca McCall and councillor Jim Pond were briefed by Western Power’s Des Lehmann on the proposed policy.

“Regional businesses and shires need the support of the State Government who need to change their policy, so that towns all have the same opportunities as in any regional community, regardless of their geographical location,” Mr Pond said.

“Anyone wanting to start a business or build a new residential development outside of the 25km area under this proposed policy would incur huge costs for headworks – this is a social injustice.”