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Helping AusNet Services with stakeholder engagement for transmission line upgrade
July 12, 2016
Specialist power and water consulting firm Entura has been appointed by AusNet Services to deliver community and stakeholder engagement strategy development and implementation support for the Moorabool to Ballarat Transmission Line Upgrade.
The existing high voltage 220kV powerline running between the Moorabool and Ballarat terminal stations provides electricity throughout the north-west region of Victoria. The upgrade will ensure a secure and reliable future power supply to the region.
Entura was initially engaged 18 months ago to prepare the planning application and associated community consultation work. The planning permit applications, submitted to Councils in September 2015, have been approved and works to upgrade the transmission line are about to commence. AusNet Services plans to complete the upgrade by early 2017.
“AusNet Services is committed to working with local communities and key stakeholders to keep them informed and up-to-date as the project progresses,” said Anshul Srivastava, senior project manager at AusNet Services.
“We have listened to landowners during the planning phase and have designed our approach to minimise potential impacts to farming activities and local traffic, and we’re pleased to continue to partner with Entura in this next phase of the project.”
As part of this next phase, Entura will support the preparation of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and the planning approval conditions through the life of the upgrade works.
“We’re delighted to have been engaged by AusNet Services to continue our involvement in the Moorabool to Ballarat Transmission Line Upgrade,” said Dale Bryce, Customer Strategy and Market Development Director at Entura.
“Working closely with head contractor Zinfra, Entura will ensure the CEMP is delivered according to the permit’s conditions and will undertake stakeholder engagement planning and implementation during construction.”
As part of Hydro Tasmania, Australia’s largest renewable energy producer and water manager, Entura has extensive practical knowledge of all commercial aspects of power and water infrastructure acquisition, planning, development, construction and operation. The firm has assisted a number of clients with their community and stakeholder engagement needs, enabling mutual understanding of proposed programs or projects and their anticipated effects.
