The works by SA Power Networks (SAPN) came after some residents of Whiting Rd at Fisherman Bay raised concerns with Council about overhead wires and poles located within their property boundaries and the associated easements that restricted their ability to develop the properties.
SAPN, following discussions with Council staff, agreed to prioritise Fisherman Bay for works to upgrade poles and wires under a shared cost arrangement. After public consultation earlier this year, Council is funding the relocation works and will recoup its costs via a separate rate on the 33 properties that stand to benefit from the relocation of electricity distribution infrastructure.
SAPN are removing around 500 metres of overhead wires and 10 poles between 22 and 88 Whiting Rd to install nine new poles and 450m of overhead low voltage bundled cable on an adjacent road reserve.
Steve Davey, Manager of Assets and Infrastructure, of Barunga West Council said the works may result in increased property values for the affected properties.
“The outcome of the works will include improving the amenity of the area of the affected properties, removal of SAPN easements from properties, and providing property owners additional space to develop their allotments,” Mr Davey said.
“As these works will be of particular benefit to the affected properties, and the occupiers of those properties and visitors, Council will recover the costs of these works through a separate rate upon the affected properties rather than having those costs borne by all ratepayers.”
Mr Davey said SAPN was funding the $168,000 cost of upgrading the poles and wires, while property owners will each pay around $3,200 for relocation expenses.
“Only residents along Whiting Rd that have been consulted will incur a cost of $3,200 through their rates over a four-year period,” Mr Davey said. “The total project is costing approximately $280,125 and SAPN is funding 60 per cent.
”Maree Wauchope, CEO, of Barunga West Council said Council was funding the works upfront.
“If Council did nothing then this would hinder any future development of 33 properties along Whiting Rd,” Ms Wauchope said. “It is pleasing to see that now, after many frustrating years, the freeholding of the Fisherman Bay settlement and delivery of key infrastructure is well underway.”