SA Power Networks has found a new location for the construction of an electricity substation in Glynde, a suburb of Adelaide, after the local community strongly opposed the original site.
The identification of a new preferred site is the first stage in the fulfilment of a 2014 state government election commitment to move the substation from the existing site.
The new proposed site is within the industrial precinct of Glynde, and is surrounded by industrial and commercial properties.
SA Power Networks has advised that the purchase of the site will be subject to a satisfactory environmental assessment and Development Assessment Commission approval being obtained.
The state government has requested that SA Power Networks sell the existing site on the corner of Davis and Barnes Roads and for it to be developed for residential purposes.
SA Power Networks has advised no final decision on the sale of the existing site will be made until due diligence on the new site is completed.
The original site on the corner of Davis and Barnes Roads Glynde was purchased in 1957 as a future location for an electricity substation.
The site has been signposted for many years indicating its future use for this type of infrastructure.
In March 2014, the former Member for Hartley, Hon Grace Portolesi MP, made a commitment that the state government would work with SA Power Networks to find an alternative site for the construction of the proposed Glynde substation.
There was no suitable government-owned land within the required 0.6km radius of the existing site, so a new site had to be purchased.
South Australian Energy Minister, Tom Koutsantonis, said, “The state government committed to helping secure an alternative site for the Glynde substation after local residents expressed their concerns about the construction of a substation adjacent homes on the existing site owned by SA Power Networks.
“While the new site still needs environmental and development approvals, the state government is committed to achieving the best result for the Glynde community.
“Unfortunately the state government does not control these assets because the previous Liberal Government sold ETSA to a private sector monopoly, but by working with locals and SA Power Networks, the private owner of our poles and wires, we have been able to secure a great first step towards a resolution to this long-standing issue.”
