Strathfield cable project

Ausgrid is planning 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 proposing to replace the existing cables with new 132kV underground cables and conduits (plastic pipes) bypassing the cable transition point in Columbia Lane.

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

Ausgrid has started 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. Following feedback received at these community information sessions, Ausgrid are holding an additional in person session.

Community information session details:

Thursday 11 August 2022 - 6pm

Sydney Cheil Church, 7 Sydney Street, Concord

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

Ausgrid welcomes questions or comments about the project at any time (see project contacts top right). 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.

Now

• Feedback from Community Information sessions held in June and August 2022 will be used by Ausgrid to refine construction plans and complete further site investigations

Early 2023

• Detailed design/start construction

Late 2023

• Installing cables and connect new cable to the existing network

2024

• Retire existing cables

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:

• 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.
  

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.