Powercor is replacing sections of high voltage (HV) lines in the Macedon Ranges Shire from this week, as part of a Victorian Government funded Powerline Bushfire Safety Program (PBSP).
The program was established to identify initiatives that would reduce the likelihood of powerlines causing bushfires in the future, and follows the final report from the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.
Almost 80km of HV powerlines will be replaced with insulated overhead conductor and or underground cable across four project areas in the Shire, reducing the risk of bushfires started by powerlines.
Powercor’s bushfire mitigation manager Dene Ward said preparations for the project are progressing well.
“Powercor has extensive programs that operate all year round to ensure our assets and our customers are protected as much as possible against the risk of bushfires. This program of works is one of many initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to keeping our communities safe,” Mr Ward said.
“I’d like to thank the residents of the Macedon Ranges Shire who have been accommodating with our pre-planning works so far. I’d also like to thank the wider community for their patience as we commence construction to lay underground cable and replace overhead wires and poles during this time.”
