Work continues at pace to prepare the Badgerys Creek site for construction of the Western Sydney Airport, including an agreement signed by the Commonwealth, WSA Co, and TransGrid to enable the relocation of a high-voltage power line that crosses the site.
TransGrid, the manager and operator of the NSW transmission network, will relocate the existing 3.2 kilometre section of aboveground high-voltage transmission line to an underground cable route wholly located within the airport site. The line is a key part of the transmission network in NSW, connecting Canberra and the Sydney metropolitan area.
The agreement marks a critical and necessary step in preparing the 1780 hectare site for construction and is the culmination of three years of planning, which includes the completion of feasibility and scoping studies and an Environmental Assessment to comply with the requirements of the Airport Plan.
The existing on-site transmission towers will also be removed from the site once the new cable is operational.
TransGrid Chief Executive Officer Paul Italiano said: “This project is an Australian first for a 330kV transmission network, using an underground cable to connect two sections of aboveground cable on the same line. This is an innovative solution that supports the benefits of the airport while minimising the impacts on the surrounding community.”
WSA Co Chair Paul O'Sullivan said: “Relocating this transmission line is critical before we can commence a substantial program of works, including moving 22 million cubic metres of earth, building 1,000,000m2 of airside pavements and constructing a terminal and other facilities.”
Work on the cable relocation is expected to commence in late 2017, with earthworks to begin next year.
