The Western Australian Government has announced that the first power lines for the Mid West Energy Project (MWEP) are being delivered.

The $443 million project will see a 190 km long transmission line from Neerabup, north of Perth, to Eneabba, representing the biggest electricity infrastructure project in the state for the last 26 years.

Helicopters are being used to thread power lines through 388 transmission towers, each of which are over 60 metres tall.

Inspecting the aerial work late last week, 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.”