One of Perth’s largest local governments says it is disappointed to miss out after nine other councils were given the opportunity to move their ageing overhead power lines underground.
It’s part of Western Power’s targeted underground power program which is helping up to 50,000 properties transition to the “safer” and “more reliable” power supply option.
Residents and businesses in the cities of Bayswater, Canning, Melville, Rockingham, Stirling, Swan, and Vincent and towns of Bassendean and Victoria Park make part of the 50,000.
Those councils recently signed memorandums of understanding with Western Power to support “undergrounding” within their local government areas.
At the City of Joondalup’s December 2021 meeting, councillors unanimously agreed to push for underground power.
It was hoped this would send a strong message to both the State Government and WP that the city was ready to be part of the transition, if it happened in the future.
“The city is disappointed that is has not been included in the program, however it understands that the current projects are situated in older parts of Perth where infrastructure is 20 to 30 years older than those in the COJ,” a city spokesperson said.
Mayor Albert Jacob said council’s decision gave the green light to scoping projects to bring underground power to specified areas for the reasons that it was financially sustainable, justified with a robust business case and supported by the majority of homeowners.
“Upon endorsing the underground power program, we stated that we were very keen to work collaboratively with all stakeholders on what would be a win-win for all parties,” Mr Jacob said.
“Although the COJ is not part of the latest TUPP initiative, we will continue to investigate various options to install LED smart-metered streetlighting, which will maximise financial and operational benefits.
The State Government has launched the targeted underground power program, upgrading 50,000 homes and businesses. Credit: Supplied/Supplied
“This will deliver economic benefits, with increased housing values, as well as safety and energy benefits, with efficient LED lighting significantly reducing our carbon emissions.”
Despite missing out the city says it will continue to work with the State and local residents to “completely underground power” and improve efficiencies of lighting across its 22 suburbs.
Meanwhile, scoping and planning works by the State have begun with construction of the first project in Bassendean north set to begin in May next year.
Earlier this month Energy Minister Bill Johnston said undergrounding provides a number of benefits including improved public safety, reliability, security and street appearance — while increasing property values and reducing the need for street tree pruning.
“It also provides cost efficiencies as there are lower life-cycle costs and it enables greater use of emerging technologies such as electric vehicles,” Mr Johnston said.
“Importantly, it creates safer environments with better lighting from efficient new LED streetlights.
“Western Power’s underground power programs are a significant enhancement to the electricity network and ensures our State Government continues to meet the energy needs of the community now and in the future.”