power people - TransGrid

mid-nortH CoAst reCeives
Power uPGrAde
Kempsey to Port Macquarie
132kV Transmission Line
The mid-north coast is one of nsWs
fastest growing areas.
TransGrid has commenced construction of
a second single circuit 132kV line between
kempsey and port Macquarie to strengthen
power supply in the region. The estimated
cost of this project is $28 million.
The new line will replace the existing wood
pole line between kempsey and port
Macquarie. The new line is being built with
concrete poles, using modern materials that
will enable us to build the most compact
power line possible within the existing
easement area.
The extensive work undertaken in
developing the final project solution paid
particular attention to the environment
and community. This was evident when
we undertook the more complex task
of rebuilding the existing line rather than
establishing a new greenfield route. This
decision resulted in the project receiving
substantial acceptance by the existing
landowners and community.
The project draws upon TransGrid’s
extensive project management expertise,
with the project team having to work
within significant outage constraints and
tackle problems arising from wet weather
and floods. This required TransGrid to
investigate various techniques such as
special tracked vehicles with the ability
to work on wet ground with minimal
environmental impact.
The project is expected to be completed
in 2010.
strenGtHeninG suPPly to tHe
soutHern tAblelAnds
Queanbeyan 132kV Substation
during december 2008, TransGrid began
work on its $28 million investment into the
reconstruction of Queanbeyan substation.
The new substation incorporates the latest
technology to ensure that the high voltage
electricity supply to Queanbeyan, canberra,
eastern acT and braidwood areas continues
to meet the increasing demand in the region.
The original substation was built in
1957 and has provided reliable power
to Queanbeyan and the surrounding
community for over 50 years. This project
is the first of a number of major TransGrid
upgrades planned for the southern
Tablelands over the next five years.
The main objective of this project is to
renew the assets at the substation with
modern equivalents. To achieve this
objective, the substation is being rebuilt
on a new site, adjacent to the existing
substation. The design of the substation is
very compact and will incorporate the latest
tubular gantry structures instead of the
more conventional steel lattice towers.
The construction of the substation is due for
completion by early 2010.
28 buildinG sustAinAble world-ClAss inFrAstruCture > TransGrid annual reporT 2009
imProvinG reliAbility to tHe
CentrAl PlAins reGions
Manildra to Parkes 132kV
Transmission Line
TransGrid is planning to construct a new
$30 million 132kV transmission line between
Manildra and parkes. The transmission line
will meet increasing power demands in the
region, directly benefiting residents and
businesses in the parkes, Manildra, forbes
and cowra areas.
social, environmental, technical and
economic factors were all considered in
determining the preferred transmission line
route, which was selected in august 2008.
environmental consultants have recently
completed a detailed environmental
assessment. These results were presented
to the community during july 2009 and
TransGrid was on hand to respond to any
community concerns. TransGrid has been
active in engaging the community since the
early days of the project, seeking feedback
and comment through information sessions
and public notices ever since project
announcement. TransGrid has continued
to hold discussions with property owners
throughout all phases of the project.
To minimise visual impact, the transmission
line will be constructed with single concrete
poles within a 45 metre wide easement.
construction of the Manildra to parkes
transmission line is due to commence in late
2009 with completion due by early 2011.