The poles come down in Toodyay
Release Date: 14 July 2008
Work to place powerlines underground in the centre of Toodyay started recently as part of a Local Enhancement Project (LEP), jointly funded by Western Power, the State Government and the Shire of Toodyay.
The project involves removing overhead powerlines and placing them underground along Toodyay’s main street, Stirling Terrace.
Western Power’s Managing Director, Mr Doug Aberle said that when the project was completed at the end of August, the benefits would be easy to see.
“Toodyay was selected from a long list of applicants and was found to be an ideal choice for the project due to its historical buildings and its popularity as a tourist destination.
“The project will not only improve the visual appearance of the town it will also increase the reliability of the supply because there will no longer be the interruptions associated with cars hitting poles or branches falling across lines,” Mr Aberle said.
The Shire of Toodyay’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Graham Merrick says this is a very exciting time for Toodyay. “Toodyay is fortunate to be provided the opportunity to incorporate the undergrounding of power into a much needed road and footpath upgrade project” said Mr Merrick.
“The community is very supportive of the project and recognises that the slight disruptions caused by the works will be rewarded with a fantastic outcome. The town’s amenity will be greatly improved as the removal of the overhead power supplies will enable an unimpeded vista of its many significant heritage buildings set in the steep hills surrounding the Avon River.”
“Tourism is a growing industry in our Shire, and the enhancement of central Toodyay will be a tremendous asset for the economic development of the town.”
Western Power and the State Government will contribute $125,000 each to the Toodyay project, with the remaining cost of the project to be met by the shire of Toodyay.
To date, 25 communities have benefited from the LEP, with eight set to go ahead in round 4 of the project.
Most LEP funding is directed to regional towns. The criteria by which towns are judged include the historical value of the buildings in the area.
Western Power would like to thank the Toodyay businesses and residents for their patience while work is carried out on this important local project.
Photos available on request.
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