Strathfield cable project

Ausgrid is constructing a new cable route between Ausgrid’s substation on Lloyd George Avenue, Burwood and Ismay Reserve, Homebush.

These facilities are connected by existing fluid-filled underground 132kV sub-transmission cables that run between the two sites. The cables are approximately 50 years old and are nearing the end of their serviceable life.

We are replacing the existing cables with new 132kV underground cables and conduits (plastic pipes) bypassing the cable transition point in Columbia Lane.

Additionally, two new transmission poles have been installed at Ismay Reserve. In consultation with Strathfield Council, Ausgrid has organised for a mural to be painted on the two new poles. 

This project is part of a program to retire fluid-filled cables across our network.

Ausgrid has completed the process of engaging with key stakeholders to obtain early feedback on the preferred cable route.

Two community information sessions were held June, one in person at Concord Community Centre and one online session, and an additional two in person sessions were held in August and September.

Feedback received at these sessions have been reviewed and have been considered in key project decisions, where possible.

You are welcome to contact us with any enquiries via phone 1800 604 765 (free call), or email majorprojects@ausgrid.com.au.

Community feedback assists us to identify potential issues and address them in our construction plans to minimise impacts.

There are several things we need to consider when planning cable routes. These include:

• cost (minimising the impact on electricity bills)
• minimising community and traffic impacts
• avoiding existing utility services in roads
• ground conditions
• environmental and heritage impacts
• technical feasibility.

Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Ausgrid is the nominated determining authority for assessing and approving works for the Strathfield cable project. 

This project will involve installing the new cable through streets between Burwood and Homebush. Retiring the existing cable between the substations would involve some work at various locations along that cable route and at the substations themselves.

This work will involve:

• Installing new poles in the reserve at 20 Parramatta Rd
• Digging trenches in roads to lay conduits (plastic pipes) to accommodate the new cable.
• Backfilling trenches and temporary resurfacing of impacted areas (trenching and temporary resurfacing takes about three days outside each property depending on ground and weather conditions).
• Excavating underground joint bays at various locations along the cable route.
• Feeding in and joining sections of cable at the joint bay locations
• Permanently restoring impacted areas, in consultation with Council and Transport for NSW once the overall project is complete.
  
  

Retiring the existing cables will include:

• Excavating existing joint bays along the cable route.
• Removing cable equipment.
• Disconnecting the cables.
• Removing some overhead wires and 3 poles
  

As with any construction site, there will be some impacts including noise and dust. Ausgrid will make every effort to keep this to a minimum and will finish the work as quickly as possible. There will be temporary traffic, access, and parking disruptions along the cable route during construction. We will make every effort to keep these to a minimum.

The timeline included on this website provides an overview of the project and community engagement stages.

Ausgrid will keep the community informed as the project progresses via newsletter updates and notification letters.

Construction works began in early 2023 and are expected to be completed by late 2024.