The Gosnells communications monopole will be used for radio communications between the Gosnells substation and other Western Power communication sites.
The Gosnells communications monopole will allow for reliable communications for control of the power grid and associated generation and distribution facilities. Fault sensing equipment along the tranmission lines communicate with the monopole to help isolate faults or problems along the line section. This allows the communications monopole to remotely deenergise the line section and restore balance to the system.
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A communications monopole is a narrow, solid metal structure used to support a radio antenna. Its height, in this case is 30 metres. The height of a communications monopole is determined by the need to provide an unobstructed radio path to other Western Power radio sites. The moolpole will have a 976 millimetre diameter at the base tapering to a 400 millimetre diameter at the top. A dish antenna will be mounted on the top of the pole. This will be approximately 1.8 metres in diameter.
The colour and finish of the monopole has been chosen to minimise visual impact. The colour will be N43 Pipeline Grey (Dulux) and the pole finish will be non-reflective. The monopole has been approved for Western Power's use only. Businesses wishing to utilise the pole for further infrastructure will need to undergo the same rigorous approval process undertaken by Western Power.
This upgrade will allow Western Power to enhance monitoring and control of equipment at the Gosnells zone substation, and ensure quality and reliability of power to the area.
The monopole will:
As part of the Gosnells communications monopole project, Western Power will undertake extensive landscaping to help beautify the existing area to create a more pleasant outlook for residents adjacent to the substation. The landscaping will be carried out in consultation with the City of Gosnells. A new fence will be installed as part of the improvement process.
Consideration will also be given to securing the perimeter of the zone substation with bollards to further prevent the vandalism and theft from the site that has occurred in the past.
Electromagnetic fields exist wherever electricity is used. They are a natural by-product of electricity and occur around electrical equipment, wires and electrical appliances such as televisions, fridges and washing machines.
EMF surround all electrical appliances but rapidly dissipate as you move away. As a guide, EMF generated at the edge of an overhead transmission line corridor are comparable to the EMF generated in your home by domestic wiring and household appliances.
Our infrastructure is designed, constructed and operated to comply with the guidelines for human exposure to power frequency EMF as recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia and administered by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
A communications monopole is a type of structure used to support a radio antenna. The antenna uses radio waves to communicate with other relevant sites. Communications monopoles are commonplace in metropolitan substations as the technology they employ is regarded as safe for use in a residential setting.
Communications between the monopole and other sites are carried via radio waves. At certain levels, such as those that will be emitted by the Gosnells communications monopole, these radio waves are classified as microwaves.
Microwave energy of the type that will be employed in this case is considered safe for human exposure when emitted more than 10 metres above ground level; the Gosnells monopole will be 30 metres above ground level. Any exposure to these microwaves will therefore be negligible and will not constitute a health risk to residents living in the vicinity of the substation.
Businesses wishing to utilise the pole to add further infrastructure will need to undergo the same rigorous approval process followed by Western Power. The West Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) will be the approving body should applications be received. Western Power does not make the decision as to who may use the monopole.
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Page update on 19 July 2007
