It is important to state upfront that there is no money set aside for any project relating to the removal of overhead power lines in Merimbula’s CBD, nor is there any plan as such to start work at any time in the immediate future.
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The good news though is a plan has been put in place that will help to make it happen in the most efficient way should the funds be available from any level of government at some time in the future.
Flagging a potential project at this stage allows landlords to consider changes to electrical connections at their properties when undertaking any renovations.
Attaching the report of costs to the Spiire plan for Merimbula’s CBD ensures council is aware of the desire to see this happen as part of the beautification of Merimbula. In essence before any pavers or garden beds are considered, the question should be asked as to whether some work on underground power lines could be incorporated.
With much of the main streets of Merimbula in need of renovation in the next few years, it is timely to have this report as a reminder of what else could be achieved.
This is the first time we have had a report of these costs; it provides some level of certainty rather than speculation as to what the costs might be and it makes sense to be having this conversation now.
We all know Merimbula has enormous potential and with developments such as the airport, and the Port of Eden, the town is likely to enjoy the limelight more. But it would be nice to think it is for the right reasons.
Merimbula is in desperate need of a facelift and we are told that putting power lines underground is something the town has talked about for 35 years. At the recent Focus on Merimbula organised by the Chamber of Commerce, one of the key issues listed for the improvement of the town’s look was getting power lines underground.
The report states that where the cost or complexity of undergrounding overhead infrastructure is prohibitive, the existing multiple wires can be replaced with an aerial bundled cable, thereby significantly reducing the visual impact of the overhead infrastructure and suggests this as a solution for Merimbula Driva and Sapphire Coast Drive to the RSL Club.
It would be a rather interesting irony if, by some chance, council was able to secure money for such a project, from the state government’s money chest from the sale of its “poles and wires”.
