AusNet Services has received council approval to begin upgrades to the Moorabool to Ballarat Transmission Line, ensuring a secure and reliable power supply to Victoria’s north-west.
The upgrade involves the installation of a third high voltage 220kV circuit onto existing AusNet towers.
AusNet Senior Project Manager Anshul Srivastava said, “AusNet Services is committed to working with local communities and key stakeholders to keep them informed and up-to-date as the project progresses.
“We have listened to landowners during the planning phase and have designed our approach to minimise potential impacts to farming activities and local traffic.”
AusNet has appointed specialist power and water consulting firm Entura to deliver community and stakeholder engagement strategy development and implementation support for the upgrade.
“We’re pleased to continue to partner with Entura in this next phase of the project,” Mr Srivastava said.
AusNet initially engaged Entura in early 2015 to prepare the planning application and associated community consultation work.
The planning permit applications, submitted to councils in September 2015, have been approved and works to upgrade the transmission line are about to commence.
As part of this next phase, Entura will support the preparation of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and the planning approval conditions through the life of the upgrade works.
Entura Customer Strategy and Market Development Director Dale Bryce said, “We’re delighted to have been engaged by AusNet Services to continue our involvement in the Moorabool to Ballarat Transmission Line Upgrade.
“Working closely with head contractor Zinfra, Entura will ensure the CEMP is delivered according to the permit’s conditions and will undertake stakeholder engagement planning and implementation during construction,” Mr Bryce said.
AusNet Services plans to complete the upgrade by early 2017.