Concord substation upgrade

MARCH TO APRIL 2020

Concept planning and obtaining community and stakeholder feedback.

APRIL TO MAY 2020

Preparing Review of Environmental Factors and displaying for public comment.

MID 2020 TO EARLY 2021

Completion of design, project approved for construction and contractor appointed.

EARLY 2021 TO LATE 2021

 Construction work to upgrade substation.

LATE 2021 TO MID 2022

Installing equipment inside new switchroom building.

MID 2022 TO LATE 2023

Electrical connections between new switchroom and surrounding network and decommissioning existing switchgear.

Ausgrid is currently in the early planning stages. As part of this process, we have commenced consultation with key stakeholders and the community in the area.

We have engaged architectural specialists, Kann Finch, to prepare preliminary architectural designs of the proposed switchroom building to assist with consultation and the environmental assessment.

As part of the process to develop preliminary designs for the new switchroom building, Ausgrid and Kann Finch are considering a range of factors including:

• technical requirements and constructability
• environmental issues
• community feedback
• cost (minimising increases to customer electricity bills).

We had originally planned to hold a community information session at a local venue in Concord to allow a face-to-face discussion between the community and the project team about the project.

In the interest of public health and the developing situation regarding COVID-19, we have unfortunately had to make the decision to cancel the community information session. We will now consult with key stakeholders and the community using:

• notifications and letterbox drops
• project website
• project community information line
• project email.

Ausgrid is the determining authority for these works under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. As part of the approvals process, an environmental assessment (known as a Review of Environmental Factors of REF) is being prepared which involves input from community members, the City of Canada Bay Council and other authorities.

Potential impacts are being assessed as part of the REF and measures put in place to minimise impact to the local environment.

As the project progresses, we plan to share two concept designs for the new switchroom building with key stakeholders and the community near the proposed site. All feedback received will be taken into consideration as part of the planning process. We will provide further updates as we progress.

Like on any construction site, issues such as noise and dust – as a result of work on and around the site, will be carefully managed.

Ausgrid work hours are 7am to 6pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays with no work on Sundays or public holidays. If we need to do any work outside these hours, we will notify nearby neighbours in advance.

Please note that the Concord substation will remain in service for the duration of the project. Normal day-to-day operations will continue to maintain electrical supply.

Should you have any questions about the substation upgrade, please contact us at majorprojects@ausgrid.com.au or alternatively phone 1800 604 765.