In October 2006, Energy Minister Francis Logan opened the invitation to all Western Australian local governments to submit Expression of Interest proposals to undertake a Localised Enhancement Project - the installation of an underground power system - in their communities, under Round Four of the State’s successful Underground Power Program. All local governments in Western Australia were sent a copy of the Guidelines and submissions closed on 2 February 2007.
The Underground Power Steering Committee received 42 proposals from 25 local governments.
Localised Enhancement Projects (or LEPs) are an opportunity for local governments to beautify streetscapes and traffic routes of significance that are recognised as having scenic, tourism or heritage value. To date, 25 LEPs have been completed or are in progress across the State.
Early in March 2007, the Steering Committee assessed each proposal against critical power system and feasibility criteria. The assessment was overseen by an independent probity auditor.
On 1 June 2007, the Minister for Energy approved the following shortlist of eight Round Four Localised Enhancement Projects:
Shire of Toodyay – Toodyay Townsite, Toodyay
Shire of Harvey – Brunswick Junction, Brunswick
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River – Bussell Highway, Cowaramup
Shire of Dandaragan – Heaton Street, Jurien Bay
City of Bunbury – Spencer Street, Bunbury
Town of Victoria Park – Albany Highway, Victoria Park
City of Bayswater – Guildford Road, Bayswater
City of Belmont – Belvidere Street, Belmont
Prior to receiving final approval for implementation, more detailed proposals are developed for the short-listed projects in order to finalise designs, boundaries, budgets and community support. Short-listed proposals are not approved for implementation until all the requirements of the Detailed Proposal Stage are satisfied and only then can the project proceed.
Round Four Localised Enhancement Projects are scheduled to be progressively implemented over two to three years.
Following the development of detailed designs, on-site works on the first of the successful Round Four Localised Enhancement Projects is anticipated to commence in mid to late 2008. All of the projects should be completed by late 2010.
The aim of the Underground Power Program is to improve the standard of electricity supply to consumers by addressing reliability issues with existing overhead power lines. To date, the Program has retrospectively-fitted over 58,868 properties with a new underground power system - a more reliable power source.
There are many benefits from underground power that flow through to the community, such as improved public safety and more attractive streetscapes, with the removal of overhead power lines allowing trees to grow to their natural height and shape.
The Underground Power Program is a partnership between the State Government, Western Power, Horizon Power and participating local governments, who share the costs of replacing the existing overhead power lines. The State Government provides 50 per cent of the cost of the each project up to a maximum of $250,000.
Further information may be obtained by emailing the program's executive officer.
The selection criteria and evaluation methodology contained within the Guidelines reflect the objectives and priorities of the State Government.
Copies of the Guidelines and a Fact Sheet are available to download via the links below:
UPP LEP Round Four Guidelines
UPP LEP Round Four Fact Sheet
