Following the award of a $245 million contract earlier this year, Downer has now commenced works on the Eyre Peninsula Link project in South Australia.
The beginning of works was marked by the first concrete pour for one of the 500 sets of foundations for the transmission line being delivered through this project.
“Downer is a leader in power infrastructure in Australia with specific expertise in transmission line and substation design and construction.
“This contract strengthens Downer's 20-year history of providing services to ElectraNet and its presence in the South Australian power sector, supporting up to 300 employment opportunities for the people of South Australia,” Downer Chief Operating Officer Sergio Cinerari said.
For this project, Downer has awarded major subcontracts to several local civil contractors, transport, quarry material, concrete and crane providers. The company will also continue engaging in other contracts as the project progresses.
In their statement, the company said: “Downer would like to thank the Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BDAC) and its members for their ongoing collaboration and support in sharing their knowledge and culture with our workforce and recognise the service they continue to provide with monitoring and identification of the culturally sensitive areas along the construction route. The level of knowledge and care for their traditional lands provided by the BDAC heritage monitors team has provided Downer great assurance to tread respectfully as we traverse across the Barngarla land in the delivery of this project.”
The Eyre Peninsula Link project will include the construction of a new double-circuit 132kV transmission line that will run from Cultana to Port Lincoln, passing through Yadnarie. The project will also pave the way for a future upgrade to the Cultana to Yadnarie section to 275kV.
Once completed, the new transmission line will improve security and reliability of power supply to homes and businesses across the Eyre Peninsula. In addition, it will also open opportunities for new or upcoming renewable energy projects to connect in the future.
Source: Downer Group; ElectraNet; Inside Construction