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Cooran substation project
ENERGEX is planning to build a new substation at Grahams Road, Pomona to improve the reliability of electricity supply in the area, and cater for future growth. This project is currently awaiting the outcome of a Development Application with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
We are now in the public notification period, which means you can submit comments on the proposal until 31 July 2008, to the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
Why does Cooran need a substation?
The Black Mountain area through Pomona, Cooran, and to Boreen Point is currently supplied from a substation at Black Mountain. The powerlines that feed out from the Black Mountain substation total almost 400km in length, through heavily treed country. There are nearly 7500 customers connected to this substation.
Unfortunately, Black Mountain is a problem area for ENERGEX, with customers supplied from this substation experiencing significant power outages in the last three years. To address these problems and improve reliability of supply, as well as cater for growth in the area, a new substation is proposed for construction in Cooran.
The Sunshine Coast and its hinterland are rapidly growing, attracting new businesses and investors from throughout Australia. This has generated rapid growth in demand for social infrastructure such as schools, roads, water, health care, and electricity. Demand growth for electricity has been further driven in South East Queensland by a rapid growth in the use of 'lifestyle' appliances, for example air conditioners.
How did we choose the site at Grahams Road?
ENERGEX has been working with the local community since 2006 to identify the most appropriate site for a substation. We originally identified Lot 151, Grahams Road as one of three potential sites, but when we were unable to purchase the property, we purchased another at Arthys Road Cooran. Through consultation with the local community, ENERGEX agreed to revisit the site at Grahams Road which is now the preferred location. When identifying a preferred site, ENERGEX considers:
- Proximity to existing residential and commercial development
- Land use patterns, including regional planning initiatives
- Size and shape of the block of land
- Environmental issues
- Social and community benefits and impacts
- Construction methods, impacts and costs
- Affordability
- Engineering issues including proximity to existing electricity infrastructure.
Each site identified for the proposed Cooran substation was assessed against these criteria.
About the substation
The proposed substation is a 132,000 to 11,000 volt direct transformation zone substation. It will connect to the existing 132,000 volt powerlines that already cross the property and transform this power to a smaller voltage (11,000 volts) which is then distributed to the local area using new and existing powerlines. The current block of land is quite large, but ENERGEX will only use a parcel that measures approximately 70metres x 60metres and this will be securely fenced. An example drawing of the proposed substation design is shown below.
Additional concept drawings and specifications are available for download in pdf format below.
- Cooran 3D image
- Cooran site plan
- Cooran east elevation and images
- Cooran north elevation and images
- Cooran layout plan
How can I have my say?
ENERGEX is committed to working with the local community, and have been actively engaged in choosing a substation site with local residents since 2006.
ENERGEX has lodged a Development Application with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and will undertake a period of public notification as part of this process. From 1 July to 31 July 2008 ENERGEX has erected signage at the Grahams Road site to advise the Development Application has been lodged, and where it can be viewed.
| Step 1: | ENERGEX lodges Development Application with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. |
Step 2: |
ENERGEX provides a copy of the Application to Information and Referral Agencies (for example, the Environmental Protection Agency) who may request further information. |
| Step 3: | ENERGEX responds to any enquiries or requests for information from these Agencies. |
Step 4: |
Public Notification: At this time, we will place a notice in the local newspaper and a sign on the site at Grahams Road, and you will be able to make a submission to the Council about the project, which will be taken into consideration by Council when they decide on the Development Application. The public notification period runs until 31 July 2008. |
Step 5: |
Assessment Period: Council assesses both the Development Application and public submissions, plus any responses from Referral Agencies. Council can choose to either approve, refuse or approve the proposed substation with conditions. ENERGEX hopes to know the outcome of the assessment by the end of August 2008. |
You can also view the Development Application at Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Tewantin Office, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin.
We are committed to continuing to work with the local community, and welcome your feedback. You can use our online feedback form or email us to provide your comments.