SOUTH HEDLAND UNDERGROUND POWER PROJECT COMMENCING SHORTLY

03-02-2012
Horizon Power and the Town of Port Hedland have been working together over the past 12 months in planning and finalising the works program, evaluating KvA data, developing the financial model and finalising funding agreements.

Residents of South Hedland can expect to see works commencing in initial areas in early February 2012. This stage of the project is expected to be completed by mid-2013.

It is anticipated that works in Wedgefield will commence in April/May and residents and business owners will be notified in advance of its commencement.

The $43 million project is a partnership between Town of Port Hedland, Horizon Power, Department of Regional Development and Lands, Royalties for Regions and Pilbara Cities.

“Many residents in South Hedland and Wedgefield lost access to power during Tropcial Cyclone Heidi, which recently hit our coast. This highlights the urgent need for underground power which will assist in preventing this happening again and also reduce the risk of damage to households and property caused by falling power lines,” said Town of Port Hedland Mayor Kelly Howlett.

“The PUPP project is one of many projects identified by Council as key to the transformation of Hedland into Pilbara’s Port City. Providing the best utilities and services is essential to the growth of any town and with State Government we are proud to deliver what will be a milestone achievement for the Town and the community,” said Mayor Howlett.

“Council will be contributing 25 percent of the total cost of the project, amounting to an estimated total of $10.8 million. As with the Port Hedland Underground Power project, the contribution will be funded by South Hedland and Wedgefield ratepayers in the 2012/13 financial year,” said Town of Port Hedland Chief Executive Officer Paul Martin.

The estimated charge for an average household would be approximately $2300 based on the modelling undertaken to date.

“Ratepayers will have the option to pay this amount over a five year period, with interest and instalment charges to be determined at the time of the adoption of Council’s 2012/13 Annual Budget,” said Mr Martin.

In November 2011, Council resolved to investigate providing concessions as part of the 2012/13 budget process for pensioners, not for profits, owner-occupier residentials and owner-occupiers businesses.

More information on the concession rate will be provided in the following weeks.

The project will be staged over approximately 15 months. There will be some disruption whilst the work is being undertaken with Horizon Power needing access to internal and external meter boxes, temporary power outages and in some cases disruption to verges and front gardens may occur.

The undergrounding of power will see a reduction in the likelihood of power outages and electrical faults during cyclone season, as well as improving the visual amenity of South Hedland to bring it on par with Port Hedland, which had their power undergrounded in 2006/07.

Horizon Power’s Engineering and Projects General Manager Peter Jensen is looking forward to the project commencing and the benefits it will bring to the town.
‘The project is not only exciting for the residents of the town but also for Horizon Power who will be able to deliver their vision of safer and more reliable power supplies to the Pilbara,’ said Mr Jensen.

The Pilbara Underground Power Project is a partnership between the government of Western Australia (through Pilbara Cities) and Local Government Authorities, delivered by Horizon Power.
For more information please visit the Horizon Power website (www.horizonpower.com.au) and project information can be found under ‘Projects’.

For queries about PUPP please contact Horizon Power Community Relations Manager, Monika Page on 0428 979 283.

PAUL MARTIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FRIDAY 27 JANUARY 2012

*ENDS*

Released on behalf of: Town of Port Hedland
For more information: Nur-Irdah Halik
Publicity Officer
Town of Port Hedland
PH: (08) 9158 9355
E: publicityofficer@porthedland.wa.gov.au