Perth Voice Interactive

UNDERGROUNDING power in Vincent is looking to cost homeowners somewhere between $3,000 to $9,000 per property.

The numbers presented to Vincent council this week are still early estimates given by Western Power, subject to vary by about 30 per cent. 

Western Power is subsidising just over half the cost, putting in about $89m since they needed to replace old power poles in most parts of Vincent soon anyway, but the portion paid by ratepayers will still be about $80m.

Based on previous projects, the upper estimate for costs is likely to be just this side of acceptable to a majority of ratepayers: When the cost went above $10,000 public support fell away for a planned rollout in the Moir and Brookman precincts in 2015.

The council is planning to take out hefty loans so up to 70 per cent of ratepayers can pay their contribution across a four-year instalment plan instead of being hit up front. 

Former councillor Dudley Maier, a long-time advocate for Vincent to sink powerlines, has raised concerns about the council’s plan delaying the rollout in some suburbs.

“Three areas will be delayed by over three years,” Mr Maier said at the May council meeting.

Patches of West Perth, Leederville, East Perth, Mount Hawthorn, Joondanna, Osborne Park, and North Perth will be last in line, with construction not starting til 2030 and scheduled to finish in 2031.

by DAVID BELL