Released 08/11/2018
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.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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