Bushfire Mitigation Powerline Replacement Program
March 21, 2020
Over the last six years, Balpara’s surveying team has been extensively involved in this major government fire prevention initiative, seeing us work alongside Powercor across Western Victoria. Our experience in electrical engineering, asset location and assessment, detailing, drafting, sag and sway assessments and electrical project management has seen our team sought out for the duration of this ongoing project.
Project Overview
Balpara has provided continued assistance in this ongoing program that involves removing hundreds of kilometres of dangerous or old overhead powerlines in ‘high risk’ bushfire areas. These are then replaced with high voltage underground electrical cables, installed using advanced drilling equipment with almost zero environmental impact or disturbance. These electrical cables are required to service entire regional suburbs in each project area.
To date, Balpara has been involved in over 300km of underground electrical cable installation and is set to be involved in another large section throughout 2020.
Project Scope
- Feature surveying of electrical cables and associated roads, fences and boundaries in sections of every 3 – 10 metres for up to 50km per regional suburb.
- Production of As-Built drawings using processed survey results for every 3 – 10 metre section correct to MGA coordinates.
- Approximately 500 As-Built drawings delivered per regional suburb, providing accurate asset locations for future maintenance and safety.
- Produce works to within ±20mm accuracy to MGA coordinates ensuring information can be used by ‘dial before you dig’ to prevent high voltage cables being struck by future civil works.
Value Add
The longevity of Balpara’s contract demonstrates our proven ability to continually meet and exceed expectations with high-quality and thorough work.
Relevant Accreditation/Quality Standards
- This project is undertaken adhering to all VESI training requirements, best practice surveying techniques and Powercor’s comprehensive site and office-based drafting standards.
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