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City Seeks Residents' Views on Underground Power in Attadale South

Published Date: 15 July 2009, 12:00 AM

The Office of Energy in partnership with Western Power and the City of Melville has selected Attadale South to be included in the State Underground Power Program – subject to majority support from property owners.

The City submitted the Attadale South project to be considered for inclusion in Round 4 of the program. The submission was selected as a Reserve project and has progressed to the design phase. The project, estimated to cost $13.5m in total, is funded by the State Government, Western Power, and the City of Melville, with the City’s contribution to be recovered from property owners in the project area who benefit from the underground power.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said he was delighted to announce this area, which includes nearly 2000 properties, was to be included in the program. “The project area is generally bounded by Wichmann Road to the north, Canning Highway to the south, Lentona Avenue to the east and a portion of Fifth Street and Waddell Road to the west. The final design may vary slightly due to existing infrastructure design parameters,” he said.

“Underground power brings several advantages including: improved reliability of power supply; increased security through upgraded street lighting; and improved streetscape aesthetics through the removal of the overhead power infrastructure and poles. Other associated benefits include: improved appearance of trees due to cessation of underwire pruning; increased road safety through the reduction of roadside objects; and the potential for increased property values,” he said.

“The City in partnership with Western Power will this month conduct a survey of all property owners in the project area to assess the level of support for the project. The average cost per ratepayer is estimated at $4,000 (including internal connections), taking into account residential density and the 50 per cent contribution towards project costs by the Office of Energy and Western Power. Provided there is majority support, the design and costing phases will then proceed, with construction planned to start in the first half of 2010. Underground power in this area would be another important step in the development and enhancement of our City,” he said.

Several areas within the City of Melville have been included in previous rounds of the underground power program, including Applecross, parts of Booragoon and Bicton. The underground power project in Mount Pleasant has also now been completed.

Underground power in Attadale South

Posted by Robert Benness at 20 July 2009, 11:28 AM
Being a resident of this area I fully support the installation of underground power in this area.

underground power

Posted by m marcello at 21 July 2009, 03:48 PM
we welcome underground power in waddell road finally

Attadale underground power

Posted by Jeff Rasmusen at 22 July 2009, 08:30 AM
When will the rest of Attadale get underground power?

Attadale Underground Power

Posted by Roy Bailey City of Melville Special Projects Officer at 22 July 2009, 09:01 AM
We currently have no information as to when the remainder of Attadale (north)is likley to be offered underground power. We understand that the Office of Energy will be calling Expressions of Interest for Round 5 of the underground power program later this year. In the previous process for these expressions of interest in earlier rounds the City of melville has submitted Attadale as two seperate projects due to being to large for one project as determined by the Office of Energy guidelines. However we are informed that Office of Energy is currently considering the format for the upcoming round 5 EOI's which may include direction from them on what locations they consider should form an Expression of Interest. The City of Melville is a strong supporter of the underground power program and will continue to push for additional projects providing they receive strong support from property owners in any given project area.

Attadale Underground Power

Posted by S Bruce at 27 July 2009, 08:56 AM
As a longtime resident of Attadale "north" I would hope that commonsense would prevail whereby we don't have half a suburb with underground power. I would be a supporter of underground power for the rest of Attadale. Residents in this area should be able to afford the contribution required by each household to connect and that should be a factor in determining which areas are offered underground power next. The COM should not be in debt or have to set up repayment programs for residents who can't pay their share but still expect to benefit from the change.

Underground Powerlines

Posted by Samuel Le Page at 09 August 2010, 09:04 AM
As a long time resident of Attadale I can see how underground powerlines in this suburb could improve the aesthetics for the riverside residents. I am fortunate enough to live on Canning Highway making for very easy access to council amenities. This location however ensures that the underground powerline proposal does not significantly impact on the views both towards and from my property.

I was very surprised to recently receive the whopping taxation charged to ALL residents in this suburb. I don't feel there was sufficient warning for this levy which has impacted my budgeting for 2010 greatly. I have long supported my community through sporting accomplishments(football) and feel this is a vibrant and exciting place to live. I feel the council should be more considerate before marginalizing those of us who can't afford the luxury of underground power.

SLP

Underground power

Posted by M Back at 23 July 2009, 04:03 PM
When will Palmyra be connected to underground power?

Special Projects Officer City of Melville

Posted by Roy Bailey at 23 July 2009, 04:08 PM
We currently have no information as to when Palmyra is likely to be offered underground power. We understand that the Office of Energy will be calling Expressions of Interest for Round 5 of the underground power program later this year. In the previous process for these expressions of interest in earlier rounds the City of Melville has submitted Palmyra for consideration. However we are informed that the Office of Energy is currently considering the format for the upcoming round 5 EOI's which may include direction from them on what locations they consider should form an Expression of Interest. The City of Melville is a strong supporter of the underground power program and will continue to push for additional projects providing they receive strong support from property owners in any given project area.

Underground

Posted by Mark Valentine at 24 July 2009, 08:29 AM
The whole undergound power project in the city appears to be focused on the riverside suburbs. In the absence of some reasonable justification for that approach, surely a fairer system of deciding which suburbs get priority is needed to ensure that other suburbs get their 'fair suck of the sauce bottle'. Attadale is lovely suburb but has not greater claim to underground power than Palmyra, Melville or Kardinya. Over to you CoM.

Underground Power for Melville???

Posted by S Liddelow at 27 July 2009, 08:56 AM
What are the chances of Melville getting underground power some time soon?

Attadale Underground Power

Posted by Fred Wells at 27 July 2009, 11:37 AM
It's great to see the council is progressing here. The main recreational entrance to Attadale's public spaces have looked tired for many years. Underground power along Lenotona Road will help to improve the visual aspects of this area, as many people from other suburbs use this road to access the river from Canning Hwy.

Underground power for Attadale

Posted by Natalie at 28 July 2009, 09:25 AM
Great initiative! But why not ALL of Attadale? It is a relatively small suburb and the area that will NOT have the benefit of underground power based on the boundaries suggested above includes the public amenities off Burke Drive. If improved appearance of trees and the foreshore is a priority, and road safety along the foreshore is important, why not extend the north boundary to the river?

Underground Power

Posted by Anne Hall at 29 July 2009, 08:35 AM
I agree with some other comments on how selective the underground power projects have been. What is the selection criteria for this...do the rate payers get a say...is it a secret ballot?

underground power for ardross area

Posted by maurice hill at 05 August 2010, 01:48 PM
The Wireless Hill area is considered by many to be one of the City's great attractions. The general presenation leading to and from this parkland leaves a lot to be desired. Many in this area have expressed views of underground power, street lamps and village style living with people being the top priority in lieu of motor vehicles. Until Planners place people before motor vehicles, we will always have a lifestyle governed by noise, petrol fumes, high risk to the aged and children alike. Is this how we are expected to live in the so called modern era. It does not require a great deal of common sense to plan for the people in lieu of motor vehicles, perhaps we are lacking in the quality of Planners currently engaged.

Underground Power

Posted by Brendan Hart at 11 September 2009, 08:36 AM
When you say East Bicton, where do you actually mean, ie What is the definition of East Bicton

East Bicton

Posted by Hans at 09 August 2010, 09:05 AM
Hi Brendan,

In response to your question I can confirm that East Bicton can be defined as towards the Attadale side of Point Walter Road.

I hope this clears up your concern.

Hans

Underground poweer costs

Posted by Joe at 02 August 2010, 08:44 AM
It does seem a little unfair that the council is passing on their entire share to the householders rather than covering a percentage itself. Especially seeing as one of the main benefits will be that the shire no longer needs to pay for tree trimming on verges. It would be considered fairer if the council were to budget for, say 5 years tree trimming and add this to the kitty.
We have a shared villa on Stock Rd and will be paying $4000 even though the majority of our lot is already underground. This isn't something everyone can just afford out of the blue, just because others like their river views.

Right on!!

Posted by Mark Collier at 09 August 2010, 02:46 PM
Right on Joe! I could not agree more.

My room backs onto a powerline at the moment and I have no problems with it! The last thing I want is extra costs like this.

Power to the people!

Mark