ACT second electricity supply approval called-in
21 November 2018
ACT Government: Construction of a second
electricity supply to the
ACT has been approved.
The construction of a second separate
electricity supply for the
ACT is crucial to safeguarding the network against future
disruptions, such as storms and fires. It will provide substantial
benefit for residents, businesses and essential government services,
such as hospitals and security agencies, by securing the electricity
network.
Canberrans will have a more secure energy supply following the
approval
of
development applications that will allow work to start as soon as
possible on new infrastructure and in turn protect against possible
future outages.
Development applications were lodged for the construction of a
geographically separate substation, the Stockdill Substation, near
Stockdill Drive in West Belconnen. The proposal also included associated
transmission lines and towers that connect existing electrical
infrastructure with the new infrastructure, creating two electrical
supply routes into the ACT.
Under section 159 of the Planning and Development Act 2007, the Minister
can ‘call-in’ and approve an application that responds to a major policy
issue. It must also have a substantial effect on achieving objectives of
the Territory Plan or provide a substantial public benefit.
I have used my call-in powers to ensure that construction can commence
as soon as possible and that utility providers can meet their
obligations under the ACT Electricity Transmission Supply Code (2016) to
provide customers in the ACT with a secure electricity supply.
The proposal was submitted as a concurrent
Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) and two impact track development applications which
require the highest level of scrutiny and consultation.
I have considered the application and independent assessment that was
undertaken by the planning and land authority. The authority’s expert
advice was extensive in relation to the development applications and
also considered matters raised during the EIS process which were
incorporated into the decisions.
The proposal has undergone significant community consultation through
the EIS and development application processes. I have considered the
community feedback on the proposal and I am confident that the final
alignment has the least impact of the options available.
--ENDS--
Source: ACT Government - www.cmd.act.gov.au
Contact: Media Contact: Brenton Sloane 0431 252 698
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