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Melville and Palmyra East Targeted Underground Power Program

Melville and Palmyra East Targeted Underground Power Program

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Share your level of support for underground power in your area.

Last Updated: 13 June 2025 Follow Engagement

The Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP) is a State Government initiative in collaboration with Local Government and Western Power to provide underground power across the State of Western Australia in priority order.

Western Power has approached the City to consider installing underground power in Melville and Palmyra East area (TUPP 151B project area). The electrical infrastructure in the identified area, including power poles, powerlines and transformers, is nearing the end of its life and is due for replacement.

By making the switch from overhead to underground power the network will become more reliable and safer, avoiding pole top fires and reducing the risk of fallen powerlines during storms or cars hitting power poles. Improved street lighting will contribute to a safer neighbourhood and the absence of poles and wires will allow street trees to grow reducing costs and improving property values.

The cost of upgrading to underground power is shared by the State Government, Western Power, and the landowner.

The cost of undergrounding power will be shared between Western Power, the State Government and ratepayers within the project area. The average total cost to each rate payer is estimated to be between $3,000 and $6,000 per dwelling.

If 50% or more of respondents support this TUPP proposal, the cost to landowners would be added to your 2026-2027 Rates Notice.

Where is the proposed project area?

The Targeted Underground Power Program 151B (TUPP 151B) project area boundary, as shown in this map, is located largely between Curtis Road,  Kitchener Road, Marmion Street and Stock Road, Melville.

The proposal also includes properties west of Stock Road in Palmyra (between McGregor Road, Justinian street and Elvira Road).

Enter your address below to check if your property is within the TUPP 151B project area.

Property search

Simply click on the magnifying glass in the top left corner of this map and enter your property address.

 

Opportunities to provide feedback

We’re seeking feedback from residents in the project area. The proposal will only proceed if over 50% support it.

Tell us whether you support or do not support the project by midnight, Sunday 20 July 2025 via the following:

  • Online: Complete the form below
  • Mail: Locked Bag 1, Booragoon WA 6154
  • Phone: (08) 9364 0666 or 1300 635 845
  • In person: 10 Almondbury Rd, Booragoon

You must include your unique code when making a submission. This can be found on your notification letter or by contacting the City of Melville.

Please note only one submission per property will be accepted and duplicates will be removed.


Can't see the above? Click here to jump straight to the form.


FAQs about cost

A
What is the proposed cost?
The cost of undergrounding power is shared between the State Government, Western Power, the landowner, and the City of Melville.   

The estimated average cost to upgrade the current infrastructure to underground power is approx. $3,000 - $6,000 per property.
How is the estimated cost established?
Western Power costs the project after completing a detailed design and then adjustments are made based on the following factors:
  • Property density e.g. how many houses on a block
  • kVA requirements as advised by Western Power
  • The City’s existing differential rating methodology for commercial properties
  • Whether you have a green dome.
  • ​Any existing infrastructure in-situ
How would payment be made?
Costs to property owners would appear on your 2026-2027 Rates Notice. Tailored repayments over a period of five years can also be arranged. Interest applies at a nominal amount determined by Council’s adoption of the 2026-2027 Annual Budget.
Are discounts available?
You will be entitled to a rebate if you hold a valid WA Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card
I already have a green dome and no overhead powerlines from my property to the street, what will it cost me?
If a property or strata has a green dome and no overhead powerline from their house to the street it is likely that they will NOT need to pay the Network Connection Charge but they will still need to pay the Network Service Charge (Network Service Charge includes the cost of removing poles and wires from their street, undergrounding power, installing new transformers and installing modern LED streetlights).
Why do I have to pay if my home already has underground power (green dome and no overhead powerlines)?

If your home or unit has a green dome and no powerline running from your house to the street, it is likely you will not have to pay the Network Connection Charge.

However, you will still need to pay the Network Service Charge, which is different from the connection charge. This cost helps cover things like removing power poles and wires, putting power underground, installing new equipment, and adding modern LED streetlights to your street.

While we understand some homes may already have underground power, this project is about upgrading the power network across the entire suburb so that everyone benefits from a safer, more reliable and modern system.

I live in a strata with 3 or more dwellings, what will it cost me?
Residents in a strata with 3 or more dwellings will pay a reduced rate. 


FAQs about TUPP

A
What is the difference between the State Underground Power Program (SUPP) and the Targeted Underground Power Program (TUPP)?
SUPP was a State Government initiative that was established in 1996 to convert overhead power to underground. 

TUPP replaces SUPP with areas now selected based on Western Power’s network driven approach in accordance with its network renewal undergrounding program.   

The cost of undergrounding is shared between the State Government, Western Power and property owners. The State Government funding is tiered based on socio-economic indicators to ensure all areas can benefit
How would underground power benefit me and my neighbourhood?
There’s a number of benefits to installing Underground Power. These include: 
  • Improved public safety – with improved street lighting neighbourhoods are safer, and by removing poles there are less car collisions. 
  • Improved reliability and security – once the power is underground, you’ll experience fewer disruptions after major storm events, which means fewer power outages. 
  • Improved street appearance - no power lines create a more aesthetically pleasing neighbourhood. 
  • Increased property value – the absence of poles and wires and the inclusion of new street lighting generally has a positive impact on property values. 
What happens if I do not support the Underground Power proposal?
The City of Melville surveys property owners and each property owner can submit one response sharing whether they support underground power or not.

If 50% or more of respondents support underground power then the whole project aread will be undergrounded.

If 50% of respondents do not support underground power then the whole project area will not be undergrounded and the area is likely to maintain power poles and wires for around forty years.
What is involved in installing underground power?
There’s a lot that Western Power need to do to get power underground.  

This includes: 
  • Installing new underground power cables in the road reserve under verges 
  • ​Installing connection pillars (green dome/box), usually at the front corner of a property and the adjacent property
  • Installing transformers and switchgear units to manage the distribution of power throughout the area. These are located in parks and public open spaces, or sometimes along property side verges
  • Installing an underground connection from the connection pillar to the meter box at each property
  • Changing each property over to the new underground system once it’s complete and is live, and removing the old overhead wires.
  • Designing and installing a new LED streetlight system that meets the latest Australian Standards
  • ​Removing existing wood poles and overhead powerlines (excluding transmission poles and wires

Contact us

Swipe to see more
ContactLeon Ebbelaar , Traffic & Road Safety
Phone08 9364 0666
Emailleon.ebbelaar@melville.wa.gov.au

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The City of Melville acknowledges the Bibbulmun people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which the City stands today and pays its respects to the Whadjuk people, and Elders both past and present.

City of Melville nagolik Bibbulmen Nyungar ally-maga milgebar gardukung naga boordjar-il narnga allidja yugow yeye wer ali kaanya Whadjack Nyungar wer netingar quadja wer burdik.