Community input inspires substation fencing

INCORPORATING patterns and pictures celebrating the local area and developed with feedback

from residents, Powercor has unveiled the fencing design for the new Ballarat East Zone Substation.

Building on the site began this month.

Residents were invited to provide feedback and vote on a range of ideas for the exterior design of the site at 203 York Street, Ballarat East.

The fence will be painted in green and neutral tones with an area available for painted murals. A range of shrubs will be planted around the fence, which will feature soft low-level lighting.

The substation is expected to provide power reliability and safety benefits to 82,000 homes and businesses.

Powercor spokeswoman Emma Tyner said architects incorporated community feedback to deliver a visually appealing design to surround the site.

“The fence design incorporates modern elements such as metal panelling while providing a nod to the past by using images of the gold rush era, Eureka Stockade flag, Ballarat’s heritage buildings, Lake Wendouree and other local icons,” Ms Tyner said. “This is a one-of-a-kind design sympathetic to the local surrounds and a tribute to what makes Ballarat an amazing place to live.

“Our highly-experienced project team has been finalising the designs and planning for the new substation that will provide safe and reliable power to the region.

“While we are taking measures to reduce the impact on the community as much as possible, there will be an increase in activity on and around the site during construction.

“This will include more machinery and vehicles.

“We will keep neighbouring residents updated on our work at the site and we will continue speaking directly with residents about the project.”

Construction will occur during standard working hours, from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday with occasional work on weekends between 8am and 4pm.

The substation is being built on a site owned by Powercor for over 50 years. It is expected to be operating by early 2026.

Work will continue on landscaping and other activities until mid-2026.

For updates on the project, visit powercor.com.au/network-planning-and-projects/major-projects/ballarateastzss.