| Project number |
Project 348 |
| Detailed design |
In progress |
| Estimated construction start date |
Late 2026 / early 2027 |
| Estimated duration |
Approximately 14 months |
Western Power and the City of Vincent are working together to convert the overhead electricity distribution network in the Perth/Highgate area to underground power. As part of this project, Western Power will be installing new underground cabling, primary equipment (transformers and switchgear) and LED streetlights.
PRIMARY EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
Primary equipment is infrastructure that is essential for the delivery of electricity to consumers. It includes transformers and switchgear units that enable the distribution of electricity to residents in the local area.
Currently most primary equipment is located on power poles. As the electricity distribution network is undergrounded, primary equipment needs to be relocated to ground level.
Where possible, this equipment will be located in parks, public open spaces, road reserves and verges. Every effort has been made to ensure the chosen site locations have the lowest impact on the surrounding area, with landscaping or screening added where possible and the total footprint of the primary equipment kept to a minimum.
Two rounds of community engagement on the primary equipment sites for this project area have been completed. In response to community feedback, the following adjustments will be made to the site map shown below:
- The site originally proposed in the access laneway to Robertson Park, adjacent to 107 Palmerston Street, is now to be located within Robertson Park to the north of 109 Palmerston Street.
- The site originally proposed for Birdwood Square opposite 7 and 9 Baker Street, is to be located at the southern boundary of the park (adjacent to Brisbane Street).
- An additional primary equipment site not shown on the map below is now proposed on City-owned land near HBF park. Neighbouring property owners and occupiers will be consulted on this site once identified.
FAQs
Primary equipment units are an essential component in the delivery of underground power.
They are electrical infrastructure, such as ground mounted transformers and switchgear units that enable the distribution of electricity to residents through the underground network.
This equipment was previously located on overhead poles, and as part of the conversion to underground power it is being moved to locations on the ground, generally in parks and on public verges.
Primary equipment is housed in green metal cabinets. Depending on the site and installation requirements, a retaining wall may also be required.
Each site will have its own unique installation requirements to comply with Western Power’s technical specifications, Australian Standards and for community safety.
Western Power endeavours to minimise the footprint of each primary equipment site and has worked closely with City of Vincent to determine each site location following extensive analysis of the network, technical standards and financial costing, and taking into consideration public safety, heritage, environmental and social impacts.
Primary equipment will be installed as part of the construction of underground power. Work is expected to start in late 2026/early 2027 and will take approximately 14 months to complete.
During the primary equipment installation works, there may be some construction impacts such as dust, vibrations and noise.
Noise impacts will be minimised by using equipment that is well maintained and fit for purpose, as well as by scheduling times to have the least impact on residents.
Contractors generally work within regular construction hours. If after hours work is required for public safety reasons or to minimise the outage impact to residents, the contractor will work with the City of Vincent and other relevant authorities to schedule the most appropriate time. Impacted residents will be informed prior to these out of hours works commencing.
To complete the work safely, traffic management may be in place. Please take care around work sites and follow the appropriate signage.
Each primary equipment site is installed according to Western Power’s technical specifications which meet or exceed the Australian Standards to ensure community safety and efficient operation of the equipment.
Although primary equipment sites are not all the same, the steps involved in construction are:
- Construction starts with the site being pegged with survey stakes to show the actual footprint.
- The ground is checked for third party services before being excavated.
- Once the hole has been dug, the soil at the base is levelled and compacted to prepare for a crane to position the equipment.
- The equipment is installed correctly, then the electrical cables are terminated and tested.
- When this is complete the site will be backfilled and compacted.
- The site will have a border installed, or if required a retaining wall, then a layer of blue metal placed around the assets.
Is Western Power complying with the relevant Heritage Act/s for equipment sites in heritage areas?
Hyde Park and Robertson Park are registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites that are proposed to accommodate primary equipment in the Perth/Highgate project area.
Western Power undertakes an initial Heritage Assessment of each underground power project area before starting network design.
Following design completion, Western Power conducts further Due Diligence Assessments as required under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 and obtains all relevant approvals prior to construction.
Why can't the equipment planned for Hyde Park and Robertson Park be located elsewhere?
Primary equipment needs to be located within a few hundred metres of those properties being supplied with power. In this instance, the only viable alternatives would be verges next to or in front of someone’s home or business, or on private property. Vincent aims to reduce impacts on people’s homes and businesses by identifying City-owned land such as parks and car parks, wherever possible.
There is one new primary equipment site proposed in Hyde Park and one in Robertson Park. In both instances the site has been carefully selected to minimise impact on park users and adjacent properties, and to facilitate visual screening by plants.
More information and feedback
The last round of community consultation closed on 2 September 2024. A further round of consultation will follow in late 2024 before Western Power finalises the underground network design for the project area.
If you have any questions about the location of this primary equipment, please contact us via 9273 6000 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au.
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