Easement acquisition & construction
Most Powerlink projects broadly follow the steps outlined below. However, the timing for each step in this process is unique to each project and the construction of the powerline (or other network equipment) can depend on factors such as:
- how quickly the relevant electricity demand is increasing
- the operating pattern of relevant power generation facilities
- the availability of non-network solutions to defer the need for increased transmission capacity
- new high-usage customers in an area (for example, an aluminium smelter) or
- other network changes (such as the connection of a new electricity generating source to the network).
Given these factors, it can often be difficult for Powerlink to estimate the exact timeframe for construction of a project.
To further assist the community in understanding Powerlink's activities, a variety of easement information sheets has been produced.
The Process
PLANNING FOR FUTURE ELECTRICITY DEMAND
Powerlink identifies areas within its network that need to be reinforced if the electricity demand continues to rise and this demand is not met in other ways within the required timeframe. |
INITIAL POWERLINK ASSESSMENT
If a new powerline is considered a cost-effective solution to meet increasing electricity demand, a corridor is identified for detailed investigation. This study corridor is selected after taking into account many considerations such as: land use; location of existing homes and structures; topographical, environmental and cost; and input from local government and government agencies. |
INITIAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Landowners within the study corridor are consulted about a possible alignment for the powerline within that corridor and issues specific to them are identified. Owners, government agencies and interested groups are invited to comment on the Terms of Reference which form the basis for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An independent consultant hired by Powerlink reviews submissions on the Terms of Reference before it is issued in final form. |
DRAFT EIS AND FEEDBACK ON DRAFT EIS
The independent consultant prepares a draft EIS from the final Terms of Reference, using all the information gathered, including feedback from the community, traditional owner groups and other stakeholders. The draft EIS is made available publicly to the community and other stakeholders, such as key government departments, for further feedback. |
FINAL EIS IS RELEASED TO THE COMMUNITY
The independent consultant prepares the final EIS based on feedback received on the draft EIS. The final EIS forms the basis for Powerlink’s decision to proceed with the acquisition of an easement for the powerline along the alignment identified in the final EIS. |
PLANNING APPROVALS
Following survey of the easement, Powerlink seeks Ministerial approval for the designation of the Transmission Line Route under the Integrated Planning Act 1997. |
| EASEMENT ACQUISITION
Powerlink, after completing the process required under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967, acquires the easement. |
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COMPENSATION
Powerlink pays compensation to the landowner for the easement it has acquired at fair market value and in accordance with Powerlink’s compensation policy. 1 |
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRANSMISSION LINE
The timing of construction depends on a number of factors including the growth of electricity demand. |
1 The process for compensation is completely independent of the process for construction and construction may begin before a compensation settlement has been reached between the landowner and Powerlink.
