Eyre Peninsula Link
Project Overview
After more than 50 years in service, the Eyre Peninsula’s existing high-voltage power line was approaching the end of its operational life. To ensure the Eyre Peninsula has a secure and reliable electricity supply for the next 50 years, ElectraNet has built a new high-voltage power line and upgraded five electricity substations.
About the project
Eyre Peninsula Link involved the construction of a new, double-circuit 132 kV transmission line from Cultana to Port Lincoln, via Yadnarie, with the ability to upgrade the Cultana to Yadnarie section to 275 kV at a later date.
Following two years of construction and over five years of planning, the new line began powering the Eyre Peninsula in February 2023.
Benefits of the new line
The new line provides homes and businesses throughout the Eyre Peninsula with a secure and reliable power supply. Other benefits of the new transmission line include:
- increasing capacity to connect more users to the electricity network;
- enabling new renewable energy projects to connect in the future;
- opportunity to extend the network in future; and
How the project supported the local economy
The project supported many local and South Australian businesses, which was a key focus in the lead up to and throughout construction.
About $57 million was spent with South Australian businesses, of which more than $22 million was with Eyre Peninsula businesses.
There were about 200 workers on average involved in delivering the project, peaking at 300 early in 2022. These were workers who were spending money locally on things like food and drink, accommodation and fuel, which has been great for the local economies.
Local subcontractors and suppliers represented about 15 per cent of the workforce, delivering works ranging from fencing through to minor civil works along the transmission line route.
Line route
The route of the new line runs almost parallel to the old transmission line, on its western side. The route was identified through engineering, research, technical field studies and direct engagement with landowners and the broader Eyre Peninsula community.
As part of the project, some temporary transmission lines were constructed to ensure power supply could be maintained to the Eyre Peninsula while the new line was being built.
Route characteristics
The chosen route achieved the best balance of environmental, cultural, social, land use, engineering and cost criteria. The transmission line route:
- Reflected community preferences to contain the new and old infrastructure within the same corridor, to the west of the existing line. This was the strongest preference in landowner feedback to ElectraNet.
- Had the least environmental impact by using existing access tracks to minimise vegetation clearance.
- Minimised impacts on culturally sensitive sites. Cultural heritage was managed through a specific Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
- Achieved the lowest cost for consumers as it is the shortest, most direct route between its fixed connection points.
Project timing
Major construction work on the new transmission line began in May 2021 and the new line began powering the Eyre Peninsula in February 2023.
To read the media release about the project’s completion, click here.
Project support
ElectraNet would like to thank the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) for the significant contribution it has made to the project and its steadfast support in the important role of protection of cultural heritage in the field. BDAC has been a major contributor to the success of the project.
ElectraNet recognises the huge commitment this project was for the Barngarla community and sincerely thank them for their efforts.
We also appreciated the ongoing support from ElectraNet landholders, local councils and the substantial hours of work dedicated by the entire ElectraNet and Downer project teams.
Removal of old power line
Work has now started on the removal of the old line and this is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
EPBC Approval
The Eyre Peninsula Link transmission line was approved under the EPBC Act. The controlling provisions are listed threatened species and communities (section 18 and 18A of the EPBC Act). Management Plans have been prepared to manage impacts on threatened species and communities and are available for download below:
Biodiversity and Rehabilitation Management Sub Plan
Weed Pest and Disease Management Sub Plan
Threatened Species Management Plan
Approval of Malleefowl Offset Strategy
Response to public comment
The Eyre Peninsula Link transmission line is controlled under the EPBC Act. The controlling provisions are listed threatened species and communities (section 18 and 18A of the EPBC Act). Proposed construction activities have the potential to impact on Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), Jumping Jack Wattle (Acacia enterocarpa) and Tufted Bush Pea (Pultenaea trichophylla).
In accordance with Section 95A(3) of the EPBC Act, ElectraNet made the preliminary documentation available for public comment from 17 December 2020 to 11 January 2021. No public submissions were received on the Preliminary Documentation during this time.
In accordance with Section 95B(4) of the EPBC Act, written advice noting that no comments were received, the original EPBC referral document and the Preliminary Documentation is available for information for 20 business days from the date of advertisement.
Copies of the Preliminary Documentation can be viewed or downloaded below:
EPBC Preliminary Documentation
More information
For any queries, please contact ElectraNet’s Community
Engagement Consultant at community.liaison@electranet.com.au or call toll-free on 1800 890 376.