– Melissa Grant
VICTORIA’S bushfire tragedy further strengthens the argument to put powerlines for the Wonthaggi desalination plant underground, the head of a key lobby group says.
Power Grid Option Group (PGOG) chairman Alan Fraser said the state’s worst natural disaster, and recent heatwave, had highlighted the risks and inadequacies of using overhead power infrastructure.
Smoke could trip lines and currents “arcing” through smoke posed a danger for firefighters battling blazes near pylons, he said.
“If indeed some of these lines were underground, we don’t have that problem,” he said.
“The huge threat of power outages to Melbourne and the massive cost and inconvenience to business and the community has become a reality.
“There are emerging technologies that get around the problems of fire and natural disaster.”
Mr Fraser said PGOG would soon meet the CFA, at CEO level, to discuss the benefits of an underground system from a fire and firefighter safety perspective.
The group is also waiting to meet Victorian Premier John Brumby to discuss the need for underground power supply to the desalination plant.
Underground argument grows
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