Community concerns

Visual impacts

We recognise there are visual impacts associated with our infrastructure.

There are a number of ways we work with the community to minimise these impacts:

  • Careful site selection (we consider location, surrounding land uses, topography etc)
  • Substation design and layout Substation screening methods such as walls and landscaping
  • Minimising the effect of overhead transmission line entries where possible
  • Looking at different types of substations where possible

Noise

Substations are known to emit noise. In some situations, it is necessary to build a solid wall around a substation or alternatively to install noise enclosures around transformers. These requirements are determined in accordance with Government defined noise regulations.

Why do we purchase land so far in advance?

One challenge we face as our state continues to grow and develop is finding suitable locations for our infrastructure. In order to meet future needs, and ensure we have land available for future projects, we often undertake ‘strategic land purchases’. These purchases ensure we will be able to meet our future responsibilities. It is also important to note that as our network is dynamic and changing, sometimes power needs change and we no longer require the land we have purchased.

Electromagnetic fields

A common concern from community members relates to electromagnetic fields (EMF), which occur wherever electricity is used. They are a natural by-product of electricity and occur around all electrical items, including
those in our homes.

We design, construct and operate our powerlines and facilities in compliance with the guidelines recommended by the World Health Organisation and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

We remain committed to following the recommended safe limits of exposure to EMF for workers and the public.

For more information please ask for our EMF brochure or visit some of the following websites:

Environment

We use an Environmental Management System to continually monitor and improve our performance and to ensure that potential environmental impacts are correctly managed.

Our infrastructure is designed, constructed and operated in strict accordance with Federal and State environmental legislation.

Security and safety

We ensure that all of our substations meet the Industry Guidelines for Safety and Security, from Energy Networks Australia.

We ensure that our substations are kept safe and secure for the surrounding community (particularly children), and that our infrastructure is protected to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to homes.

Some security considerations and tools we look at include:

Fencing of the substation at appropriate heights

Ensuring adequate and easy-to-understand signage is placed at substation boundaries

Considering the use of alarms, CCTV and security lighting

Regular monitoring of the site

The future of substations

We are committed to seeking new and innovative solutions for our infrastructure.

We recognise the need to work with communities in this process to ensure we consider important local sensitivities in our design and location, whilst also considering the economic responsibility we have to the
broader community.