Published on Thursday, 24 August 2023 at 11:00:00 AM
The City of Canning and Town of Victoria Park have collaborated to provide underground power for parts of St James, East Victoria Park and Bentley ratepayers, as part of Western Power’s Network Renewal Underground Power Program.
The neighbouring Local Governments have worked closely with Western Power since 2020 to bring the project to life, providing joint information sessions and communications, and ensuring financial contributions from ratepayers were equitable regardless of the Local Government Area they reside in.
The project has successfully provided underground power to 2,276 homes and businesses, resulting in the removal of 821 wooden poles and installation of 542 new streetlights.
Residents can now enjoy a more efficient and reliable power supply and a safer environment with reduction in hazards caused by damaged wires.
Street lighting has also been improved, as all newly installed light poles will have Light Emitting Diode (LED) luminaires which can help to deter crime and improve road safety.
Removal of overhead power lines has allowed the City of Canning to proactively plant over 2,200 trees, which can now flourish to their full potential and support the City’s goal of increasing tree canopy cover as part of its Urban Forest Strategy.
Energy Minister Bill Johnston said the investment in underground power by State and Local Governments, and residents delivers clear benefits to the community.
“Residents and businesses owners in St James, East Victoria Park and Bentley will benefit from improved power reliability and safer and more aesthetically pleasing streetscapes.
“It also provides greater power supply capacity, facilitating the connection of renewables and helping to deliver on the WA Government's goal of net zero emissions by 2050.”
Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley said she was very excited to see this project come to fruition for residents and business owners in St James, East Victoria Park and Bentley.
“Not only does underground power improve reliability, it reduces operational and maintenance costs for Local Governments and residents.”
City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said it was great to see the neighbouring Local Governments working together to provide underground power for residents and businesses within the St James area.
“Removing old wooden power poles makes room for more trees not only improves the area's aesthetics but also reduces heat levels and provides shade. Trees also offer habitat and sources of food for local wildlife, which promotes a healthier ecosystem,” said Mayor Hall.
“Bentley has been announced as the next suburb set to receive underground power, and the City is excited to partner once again with Town of Victoria Park for the project.”
Mayor Karen Vernon said the "Town of Victoria Park is known for its environmental credentials and commitment to urban forest cover, so we're thrilled to have made St James cleaner, greener and safer. This is a great example of Local Governments collaborating for the good of residents and the wider community, and we look forward to working with the City of Canning again in Bentley."
Undergrounding of further power in Bentley is set to commence in 2025.
For more information residents can visit www.westernpower.com.au or call Western Power on 13 10 87.
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