About the project
In 1999, we began a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating substandard conductor-to-ground clearances on a number of transmission lines around the State. Changes to standards for ground clearances meant that many older transmission lines no longer complied with new regulations.
A range of techniques was used to address the problem, including the insertion of tower extensions to make towers taller, re-arranging the conductor connection points on towers, redesigning the system to achieve more height and pulling the conductor to a higher tension where possible. Much of the work was carried out under live-line conditions. In some instances, re-profiling of the ground under a low span using a bulldozer was required if other methods were not suitable. In all, a total of 29 circuits were upgraded at a cost of $26 million.
While the work was under way, a major safety awareness campaign - Look Up, Look Out - was initiated to alert the public to the dangers of venturing too close to transmission lines
The benefits
The program has had important safety benefits for the community. It has also ensured our transmission system continues to meet compliance standards for conductor-to-ground clearances. To ensure the public remains alert to the potential dangers from coming too close to our overhead lines, we continue to support the Look Up Look Out safety campaign in conjunction with Aurora.
Completion date
The project was completed in 2004.