By Derek Schlennstedt
The installation of sophisticated underground power lines in Healesville will act to significantly reduce the risk to lives and property from bushfires.
On Friday 22 September, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio visited Healesville to view works being carried out as part of the government’s $750 million Power line Bushfire Safety Program.
The high voltage power line replacement works in Healesville, due for completion in January 2018, have been accelerated for the upcoming fire season.
This will see a total of 43km of bare-wire high voltage power lines replaced with safer technology, ensuring residents will benefit from increased safety.
The works will include installation of a new sophisticated protection device at the Woori Yallock zone sub-station protecting over 650 km of power lines as well as the installation of 60 adjustable automatic circuit reclosers.
There will also be the provision of three back-up generators in residential care facilities in Healesville and a further nine in residential care facilities in the Yarra Valley.
Minister D’Ambrosio said the works would help improve community safety during the summer season which, she said, was likely to be worse than previous years.
“We’re keeping the residents of Healesville and the surrounding areas safer from the risk of bushfires. These are not just words, its practical action,” Minister D’Ambrosio said.
“The risk this summer is very real and we’re working to ensure Victorians have the best possible protection against bushfires.”
That risk is very real, and according to The Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook, developed by the Bureau of Meteorology with fire and land managers – Victoria is likely to experience an above-normal fire season.
Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the outlook was an early indication of what Victoria could expect in the summer season.
“The severity of the fire season will depend on a number of factors, including the amount, location and timing of rain in the months leading up to summer,” he said.
“The early forecast shows there is underlying dryness in some areas of the state, particularly across central parts of Victoria and across the east.
“While there is a lot of surface water, which means there will be grass growth and a healthy supply of water for crop growing, ground moisture has the potential to dry out quickly under dry and warm conditions.
