The Western Australian Government has announced nine Localised Enhancement Projects were successful in round five of the State Underground Power Program.

 

An invitation to submit proposals for consideration under the program attracted 30 submissions from 19 Western Australian local governments, with each assessed according to stringent guidelines to ensure fairness.

 

“The program is a partnership between the State Government, Western Power, Horizon Power and participating local governments, which share the costs of replacing existing overhead power lines with underground lines,” Mr Collier said.

 

“The State Government contributes 50 per cent of the cost of each project, to a maximum of $500,000.”

 

Successful applicants under round five are:

  • Shire of Exmouth - Kennedy Street, Thew Street and Maidstone Crescent
  • Shire of Laverton - Augusta Street
  • City of Bunbury - Spencer Street
  • Shire of Collie - Throssell Street
  • City of Albany - Albany Highway between York Street and Sanford Road
  • Shire of Katanning - Clive Street
  • City of Greater Geraldton - West-Marine Terrace-Lester Avenue-Fitzgerald Street
  • Shire of Murray - Pinjarra Road
  • Shire of Kalamunda - Stirk Street-Railway Road-Mead Street and Canning Road 

The Minister said Localised Enhancement Projects were an opportunity for local governments to beautify streetscapes and traffic routes of significance that were recognised as having scenic, tourism or heritage value.

 

“There are many other benefits from underground power that flow through to the community, such as improved public safety and a reduction in power outages,” he said.

 

“Following the development of detailed designs, the first of this round’s successful Localised Enhancement Projects is expected to commence in the second half of 2013 and all projects should be completed by late 2014.”