Power company defends substation plans

Energy Australia has defended its plans to build a substation at Empire Bay substation in a newsletter distributed in the area.

In its newsletter, the company has stated that the substation could not be located at the Kincumber treatment works and that major changes cannot be made to the building design.

"The sewer treatment works site in Kincumber is too far from the load area to meet the needs of the electrical supply network," the newsletter stated.

"If this site were used, there would still be a need for long 11,000 Volt power lines to reach suburbs which require electricity supply.

"This solution would not cost-effectively deliver the improvement in quality and reliability of supply that will be possible from the Empire Bay site."

The newsletter stated that while a group of "community representatives has been working with our architects to refine the building's exernal design ... because of the many technical standards that Energy Australia is required to comply with, the design team is not able to make major changes to the built form of the building."

The newsletter also responded to concerns over the impact of the development on flora and fauna in the area stating that a Review of Environmental Factors would be carried out as part of the assessment and approval process.

"The Review of Environmental Factors will contain an independent assessment of the current status of fauna and flora on the site, the potential impact of the development and any design or construction measures to minimise impacts," the newsletter stated.

"Energy Australia recognises the desire of the local community to conserve the vegetation on our site.

"We propose to retain all of the existing bushland in the protected zones of the property and plant additional trees in accordance with the provisions of the positive covenant applying to sections of the site.

"The retention of the bushland zones will create a green buffer on three sides of the substation buildings."

The newsletter stated that there would be no risk due to the fact the building was a modern design that housed all electrical equipment and was purpose-built to withstand potential fire hazards.

The newsletter thanked community members for their feedback on the proposal and for attending information displays held back in March.

"We have considered all of the comments received and where feasible, incorporated suggestions into planning for this proposed development," the document stated.

"It is unlikely that any new infrastructure development such as a substation or power line would be unanimously supported by every individual in the community," the newsletter concluded.

"Hence Energy Australia's focus on developing well designed facilities that are safe for the community and our staff and wherever possible take into account community feedback to enhance the design and to help integrate with the local area.

"While we work to consider feedback from the immediate community where new infrastructure is located, Energy Australia needs to balance that against the wider community's desire for a safe and reliable power supply at a reasonable price."

Newsletter, 30 June 2010 Energy Australia