The Melbourne Times Article

Plug pulled on power station upgrade

PRESSURE is growing for an electrical power station, which will feed the inner city and northern suburbs’ electricity needs, to be built underground.

Last month, Moreland Council scuttled plans lodged by power company SP AusNet to upgrade the Brunswick terminal station from 225 megavolts to 675 megavolts. SP AusNet says it is crucial to upgrade and expand the power station to secure electricity supply to the CBD, Carlton, Northcote, Brunswick and surrounding areas.

The power station is surrounded by houses and backs onto Merri Creek.
The Essential Services Commission approved the upgrade of the station, owned by SP AusNet and run by CitiPower/Powercor, finding it was the most efficient way to meet the innernorth’s growing power needs.

When rebuffing the SP AusNet proposal – which included planting trees around the power station to shield it from view – Moreland’s planning committee said opportunities to build an underground power station should be investigated.

Two state seats, three federal electorates and three municipalities adjoin the site.
Wills MHR Kelvin Thomson said the original proposal would dominate the Merri Creek environment and was not appropriate. ‘‘I do think we should be looking at ways to get this facility underground.’’

Northcote MLA Fiona Richardson commended SP AusNet for not immediately appealing Moreland Council’s decision to VCAT. ‘‘This approach is very welcome indeed.’’
Ms Richardson wrote to Energy Minister Peter Batchelor asking him to meet residents and explain what, if anything, he could do for ‘‘a better outcome’’.

‘Moreland councillor Jo Connellan said representatives from SP AusNet, the three councils and residents would meet in the next fortnight.

Via The Melbourne Times - Registration required