Perth / Highgate

Project number Project 348
Detailed design In progress
Estimated construction start date Late 2025
Estimated duration Approximately 14 months

Western Power and the City of Vincent are working together to convert the overhead electricity distribution network in North Perth / Mount Lawley 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 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.

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. 

  Switchgear

Primary equipment site with a switchgear.

  Combination

Primary equipment site with a combination of equipment.

FAQs

What is Primary Equipment?

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. 

When will primary equipment be installed for the Perth/Highgate underground power project?

Primary equipment will be installed as part of the construction of underground power. Work is expected to start in 2026 and will take approximately 14 months to complete.

What are the construction impacts of primary equipment sites?

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.

What is involved in the construction of primary equipment sites?

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.

Does the primary equipment make any noise once installed?

Primary equipment does emit a slight humming sound as part of normal operation. The noise can be compared to that made by a quietly running fridge.

The locations of primary equipment are selected to comply with the Western Australian Environmental Protection (Noise Regulations) 1997

Heritage Areas

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

Community engagement on the five equipment sites shown on the map above is currently underway and will close on 26 February 2024.

Western Power will finalise the underground network design once community feedback has been reviewed and addressed.

If you have any questions about the location of this primary equipment, please contact us via 9273 6000 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au.

For more information about this project, sign up to Vincent’s eNewsletter.

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