Review puts power lines underground

Energy Australia has claimed that an environmental report into the Empire Bay zone substation released on October 13 demonstrated strong actions to help prevent fire risk and protect a dedicated bushland zone.

The review revealed plans to place most of the new powerlines associated with the substation underground.

"We will place approximately 25 kilometres of new powerlines underground, which is about 90 per cent of new powerlines," according to Energy Australia's general manager engineering Mr Geoff Lilliss.

"Only three kilometres of new line will be placed overhead."

The substation, planned for a site between Poole Cl and Empire Bay Dr, is part of a $50 million power upgrade for 6000 homes and businesses in the southern Central Coast area.

Mr Lillis said the Draft Review of Environmental Factors for the development had drawn on expert opinion in a number of key areas, including fauna and flora, noise, EMF, geotechnical issues and bushfire risk.

"Protected bushland areas will remain untouched by this project," Mr Lilliss said.

"In fact, the final design protects and increases bushland on site and includes stringent bushfire protection.

"We have also factored in feedback obtained during consultation with the community about the project over the past 12 months.

"We are ready to listen to any concerns and answer any questions about the environmental report and the project."

The draft environmental assessment has been submitted to Gosford Council and Energy Australia was seeking comments from the Council and the immediate site neighbours.

Members of the wider community can request the council to include their comments in the council's submission.

Mr Lilliss said the review outlined plans to increase the number of trees on the site and make sure all planning and legal requirements were strictly followed.

"The environmental assessment confirms the substation will not increase fire risk to the area.

"We will include fire protection measures including fire-rated walls and doors, and fire-rated construction materials," he said.

The Empire Bay zone substation is needed to meet growing demand for power and improve reliability across Empire Bay, Hardys Bay, Daleys Point, Davistown, Bensville, Killcare, Killcare Heights and Kincumber South.

Energy Australia hopes to begin construction in November with a scheduled commissioning date of early 2013.

Further information about the report can be obtained from Energy Australia's Major Projects team.

News Release, 13 Oct 2010 Allyn Hamonet, Energy Australia