New substation shocks locals

Residents of Anglesea Street and Penkivil Street face major disruptions in coming months as an upgrade to the Anglesea Street substation looks certain to go ahead.

A new major electricity substation will be built by EnergyAustralia in Anglesea Street, next to its existing substation, at a cost of $36 million.

EnergyAustralia General Manager Trevor Armstrong said the existing substation had served the community but was now approaching the time for replacement.

“The existing substation has been operating at this site for more than 50 years,” Mr Armstrong said. “It has received several major upgrades but it is now approaching the time when it needs to be replaced with a modern enclosed facility.”

The project has been condemned by NSW Greens MP Dr John Kaye and Waverley Greens councillor Prue Cancian.

Dr Kaye and Cr Cancian attended a rally in October to oppose the development. Dr Kaye said that he was “completely sympathetic” to the community.

“They have had this project dumped on them without public consultation that has any intent to effectively change the plan,” Dr Kaye said.

“This is tearing their streets apart and damaging their quality of life. No State Government authority should behave in this way.”

Anglesea Street resident Jim Vaseas responded to the proposed substation by setting up a Facebook account and gathering a petition of 500 names opposing the upgrade. The petition has been taken to Vaucluse State MP Peter Debnam. Mr Vaseas was incensed over the lack of communication from Energy Australia and concerned over local health and wellbeing.

“There hasn’t been any consultation and that’s wrong,” Mr Vaseas said. “We are worried about the electromagnetic fields.”

Mr Vaseas isn’t the only one worried about the effect of replacing 33,000 volt cables with 132,000 volt cables. Nearby Yeshiva College has also expressed concerns over the issue.

But Mr Armstrong was adamant that the community would be consulted and all safety concerns would be answered.

“The new facility will meet all planning requirements as well as all relevant health and safety standards,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We want to make sure the community gets the chance to learn about the project, ask questions and seek input into how it will blend in with the character of their neighbourhood.”

Consultations were due to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday February 8 and 9 at Waverley Council Chambers.