AFTER a fierce propaganda war was waged on the streets for and against underground power, Vincent councillors have decided to roll it out in North Perth’s Brookman and Moir Streets precinct.
Some residents like Mark Greenshields are keen to get power lines buried, hoping it’ll improve the heritage streetscape by no longer having to butcher trees. It’s also predicted to add value to homes (about three per cent according to an ANU study).
“It’s also predicted to add value to homes.”
Others like Roy Gilbert say the $8260 cost is too much to force residents to pay. He says it’s a “want” not a “need” and if people want to spend that money on their home they should be able to decide for themselves what improvements to make.
The council had already carried out an initial round of consultation and won a pretty decent “yea” rate, but following pressure from undergrounding opponents decided to go back out for another round to make sure more people had their say.
Despite a less resounding 53 per cent saying they wanted it, the council will go ahead with the $1.2 million project, affecting 115 properties.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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