Lathlain enhanced by underground power project

Release Date: 17 February 2012

Lathlain North and South areas are set to have underground power, under Round Five of the State Underground Power Program.

Energy Minister Peter Collier today took part in a signing ceremony with the Town of Victoria Park and Western Power, acknowledging the benefits of improved residential amenity, safety and security of the power supply to the area.

“Lathlain North and South areas represent the Town of Victoria Park’s third underground power project, adding to the completed projects in East Victoria Park and South Victoria Park,” Mr Collier said.

“The project will connect almost 1,495 houses at a cost of $12.8 million. Work on the Lathlain North component is expected to be completed by July 2012, with Lathlain South due to be finalised by January 2013.”

Lathlain North and South areas are scheduled as one project to reduce costs.

The project also represents the second major residential project to get underway as part of Round Five. Other short-listed projects to follow include:

  • Town of Bassendean (Ashfield)
  • City of Cockburn (Coolbellup East, Hamilton Hill)
  • City of Canning (Wilson East)
  • City of Melville (Ardross West)
  • City of Rockingham (Shoalwater)
  • City of Stirling (Coolbinia)

The Minister said the State Underground Power Program is a partnership between the State Government, Western Power and the participating local government.

“Through the program, $287 million has been spent on the undergrounding of power lines and about 77,000 properties have been converted,” he said.

The benefits of underground power include improved reliability and security of electricity supply for consumers, enhanced streetscapes and visual amenity, reduced street tree maintenance costs for the local government, improved street lighting and community safety, reduced maintenance costs for Western Power and increased property values.

Minister's office - 9213 7150

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