Published on Wednesday, 11 January 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
Onslow can soon look forward to power supply certainty as the town moves towards an underground power network.
The Pilbara Underground Power Project (PUPP) is a partnership between the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program, the Pilbara Development Commission and local government, delivered by Horizon Power. PUPP is providing cyclone-affected North West towns with a safe and reliable power supply by replacing ageing overhead electricity infrastructure with underground networks. The project is intended to dramatically reduce the likelihood of power outages to essential services, regional residents and businesses during and immediately following adverse weather events.
A recent community survey undertaken to gauge feedback from the Onslow community resulted in an overwhelmingly positive outcome, with 86% of private landowners who completed the survey in favour of the underground power project. Community consultation held in November, with representatives from the Shire, Horizon Power and the Pilbara Development Commission, was an important channel for providing an overview to the town.
During the December 2016 Ordinary Meeting of Council, it was unanimously agreed that the Shire would contribute approximately $2m to the project, to help bring this new infrastructure to the town.
Shire President Kerry White says that moving to underground power is a positive step for a town that is prone to cyclones and severe tropical storms.
“Given our location and history the majority of Onslow has, over the years, been transformed to meet high cyclone standards,” said Cr White. “An underground power network is an important step in minimizing the damage and disruption, ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being.”
Horizon Power Manager Pilbara Grid James Carney said Port Hedland, South Hedland, Wedgefield and Roebourne had already been undergrounded and works were currently underway in the final suburb of Karratha.
“It’s fantastic news to be able to add Onslow to the list of towns that will be undergrounded as part of the Pilbara Underground Power Project,” Mr Carney said. “Our teams look forward to commencing work in February/March 2017 with the project due for completion by April 2018.”
Pilbara Development Commission Chief Executive Officer Terry Hill said the project was a key part of the Pilbara Cities initiative which aims to build vibrant and sustainable communities.
“Onslow is quickly becoming the oil and gas epi-centre of Australia; with that comes more jobs and more people moving to the coastal town,” Mr Hill said.
“It is essential that all Pilbara towns have adequate core infrastructure, such as power, to support the growing population and economic activity.”
It is anticipated that works for underground power will commence in March 2017 and be completed mid 2018.
What is the Pilbara Underground Power Project?
The Pilbara Underground Power Project (PUPP) is a partnership between the State Government’s Royalties for Regions initiative and Local Government, delivered by Horizon Power.
PUPP is providing cyclone-affected North West towns with a safe and reliable power supply by replacing ageing overhead electricity infrastructure with underground networks. The project is intended to dramatically reduce the likelihood of power outages to essential services, regional residents and businesses during and immediately following adverse weather events.
More information about the project can be found in the fact sheets and web links below.
PUPP Fact Sheet
PUPP FAQ's
PUPP Customer Information by Horizon Power
Horizon Power
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