Collier project area

In January 2017, it was announced that funding had been secured for an additional three State Underground Power Projects (SUPP) in the City of South Perth - Manning, Collier and South Perth. 

The Collier area is bounded by Canning Highway, Ryrie Avenue, Blamey Place and South Terrace.

Following preliminary and detailed design for the area undertaken in late 2019, project works commenced in Zone 1 in March 2021 for the installation of new underground cabling, primary equipment and new LED street lights.

What you can expect 

Works in this area will be staged in three zones (see map above). Works will proceed in sequence by zone to minimise the impact on residents and to enable the efficient reinstatement of verges.

Western Power's contractor, Diamond Underground Services will issue letters of advice at each stage of the project outlined below. Timing and further details will be updated here when the information becomes available. 

Stage 1 - Property Services Installation

Installation of the new underground service cable from the front boundary of the property to the house.

Residents do not need to be home for this work. Should Diamond Underground Services need access inside a house, or to the rear of your property, or if your meter box is locked, they will contact you to arrange access.

This work is just for cable installation. The cable will remain unconnected at both ends until the power is changed over from the existing overhead wires to the underground service.

Changeover will take place once the underground circuits in the street have been completed and energised. Information about the conversion process will be provided via letter approximately three to five days prior to the changeover.

Western Power and Diamond Underground Services will endeavour to minimise the impact of this work by using underground drilling when on your property.

Stage 2 - Street Services Installation

Stage 2 work will see the installation of underground power cables along the street with Diamond Underground Services locating existing cables in preparation for horizontal directional drilling along verges to install the new cables. 

Horizontal directional drilling removes the need for trenches in most cases, however cable jointing excavations will still be required along the street. 

Stage 3 - Changeover 

To allow the changeover to the new underground power network, Diamond Underground Services will need to switch off your power supply for a short time. Diamond Underground Services will advise you immediately prior to turning the power off to ensure minimal disruption. You do not need to be present for changeover.

If you require notification of the interruption for medical or other reasons, please contact Diamond Underground Services.

Stage 4 – Removal of poles and wires

To enable the safe and efficient removal of the poles and wires, you will be asked to move any vehicles and or property from your verge.

Reinstatement works

Diamond Underground Services is responsible for all reinstatement works. Please note that the contractor will not accept responsibility or provide reimbursement for other repairs or re‐instatement carried out by a third party.

Timeline

Work on the Collier project is expected to take approximately 12-15 months. Technical constraints may require some date changes as the project proceeds.

Project cost

A survey of property owners was undertaken by Energy Policy WA, formerly known as the Public Utilities Office in August 2016. The survey provided the opportunity to vote yes or no for SUPP and also gave an indicative cost to each property owner. Survey results from the Collier area indicated solid support for underground power and it was subsequently nominated as one of three City of South Perth Round Six projects.

When the survey was sent, the funding contribution was based on preliminary estimates at that time which equated to an average of $6,800 for a typical single residential property. The amount will generally be less for units in multi-unit developments. Costs for commercial properties will generally be greater than for a single residential property.

At the September 2020 Council Meeting, elected members accepted a $2.2 million COVID-19 financial relief package from Western Power for the Collier and Manning projects. The package enables the City to ensure that the average cost to owners will be the same as that estimated in the August 2016 survey, despite an increase in actual project costs identified following completion of detailed design and tender.

The City is currently working on modelling to determine the cost for individual property owners in the Collier project area. The specific details of the charging structure including timing of invoices and payment options will be determined by the 2021/22 Budget once adopted by Council.

State Underground Power Program FAQs for Collier Property owners

Collier Project - map of zones

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