The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at the Brunswick Terminal Station (BTS) is the level of activity. The site is a hive of industry, with equipment and people engaged in a wide variety of tasks required for the massive brownfield upgrade of the AusNet Services station.
Located less than six kilometres from the heart of Melbourne, the scale and complexity of the project, which started construction in October 2014, is immense.
As one of the major contractors on site, Zinfra is tasked with delivering the majority of the construction and installation of new station assets, within constraints imposed by environmental, community and stakeholder management challenges.
BTS currently provides electricity through the CitiPower and Jemena electricity distribution networks to about 25,000 customers in the inner northern suburbs of Melbourne, operating as a 220kV terminal station with 220kV connections to Thomastown Terminal Station (TTS) and Richmond Terminal Station (RTS).
Three 75MVA 220/22kV transformers supply the CitiPower 22kV distribution network.
The upgrade of the terminal station will help secure the electricity supply to Melbourne’s central business district and inner suburbs, and ultimately supply an additional 65,000 residential and business customers.
Technically, this involves the installation of a new 66kV network connection point for CitiPower. This project introduces new 220kV and 66kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), three 220/66kV 225MVA B transformers, two 66kV capacitor banks, associated secondary control and protection equipment, and testing and commissioning.
The existing terminal station site will initially be redeveloped to accommodate new 220kV and 66kV GIS buildings, three B transformers bays and three 66kV capacitor bank bays. The 220kV building will include a new control room.
Operating in a quiet residential neighbourhood, AusNet Services and their contractors are committed to minimising the impact of works on local residents. A proactive Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) detailing stringent controls around noise, traffic and waste must be adhered to at all times.
The Merri Creek flowing just ten metres from the site is also a key to environmental sensitivity.
Thorough consultation with the community has determined the final aesthetic design for the station. As well as reducing the footprint of the BTS, selected equipment will be hidden inside architecturally-designed buildings.
To further improve the station’s appearance and enhance the Merri Creek corridor, extensive landscaping to screen the station from neighbouring properties will be undertaken.
Hand in hand with a bustling, busy worksite come hazards and safety implications. Zinfra is proud to have achieved more than 1,328 days LTI and MTI free on this project so far, attained through a strong adherence to their “Safety First” culture and the observance of rigorous safety protocols and procedures.
Zinfra’s work on the project is expected to be completed in April 2017.
This partner content is brought to you by ZINFRA. For more information, visit www.zinfragroup.com.au.
