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We’re Excited About Power Too!

TXU’s excited about power…… and so too is Wellington Shire Council.

By Wellington Shire Council - 25th August 2003 - Back to News

The countdown is on as Council prepares to officially "switch on" new powerlines being buried underground in the main street of Yarram.

And complementing streetscape works will get underway next weekend.

Council has contributed about $170,000 to the cost of undergrounding powerlines and relocating palm trees in Commercial Road between from James Street to King Street (the retail section) for beautification and safety reasons. The total project has cost about $335,000, covered partially by a grant from the Victorian Powerline Relocation Committee.

The undergrounding is essential to preserve the future health of the famous Canary Island Palm trees, which have been a long-standing feature of Yarram’s Central Business District. When the State Government introduced new legislation increasing clearance requirements for powerlines, Council was forced to prune the trees. As they have a single growth bud at the top, it has severely impacted on their health. Now that the powerlines are underground the Palms, which were planted in 1927, can once again grow freely.

Three of the Palms are located north of King Street, in the section of Commercial Road where power is still to be undergrounded. Council will relocate these palms next weekend (August 30-31) to the area between King and James Streets to fill the space left by the removal of overhead powerlines in the retail area.

Chief Executive Lyndon Webb said the project would be complete for a community launch on Wednesday 24 September.

"I’m sure the local community will greatly appreciate the revived look of their Main Street, which now showcases Yarram as the progressive community that it is," he said.

"The removal of the old powerlines and protection of the trees provides much improved aesthetics for tourists and local shoppers as well."

The Hon. Theo Theophanous, Minister for Entergy, Industries and Minister for Resources will visit Yarram to perform the official "switching on" at 10.30 on 24 September. Council is making arrangements to involve the community in celebrations.

Council staff will undertake the relocation of three palms on the weekend of 30-31 August. Traffic in Commercial Road will be diverted from 12 noon on Saturday until 6pm and 7am on Sunday until 6pm. Advertisements have been placed in the local media.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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