Reynard Street Substation – Public Transport Victoria (PTV)
Department of Transport (DoT) previously called Public Transport Victoria (PTV) are in the planning stages of building a new tram power substation in Pascoe Vale.
The substation will be designed to ensure it meets all relevant operating standards and guidelines, operates safely and has minimal impacts on the local community.
Because the substation is classified as a minor utility under the Victorian Planning Scheme it does not require planning approval from council. Moreland City Council has advocated to protect the safety of its community in regards to PTV’s project.
Location of the substation
In February 2019, Merri-bek Council wrote to PTV to express community concern over the substation, and requested further details be provided to respond to these concerns.
Council requested further information on the following:
- The likely output of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and further details of the substation transformer
- Design features that would contain the possible EMF levels within formally recognised safe limits
- Concept drawings of the proposed substation, including height, setback, boundaries, construction materials, external lighting, external air conditioning units, signage and points of access
- A report prepared by an appropriately qualified practitioner that demonstrates the substation will not result in dangerous level of EMF in neighbouring dwellings and detail the appropriate legislation and regulations that guide EMF assessments and control measures
- An undertaking to carry out EMF monitoring in and around nearby dwellings prior to construction following the commissioning of the submission
- Details of likely noise to be created by air-conditioning and measures to mitigate noise impacts on neighbouring properties.
In May 2019, Council commissioned an independent, accredited expert to peer review the EMF reports prepared for DoT. We also wrote to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) seeking guidance about safe buffer zones of substations from houses.
In October/November 2019 over a 2 week period, DoT engaged with the local community to gain feedback via an online survey and a letter distribution. 84% of respondents supported 320 Reynard St, Pascoe Vale for the best location for the new substation.
In January 2020, as a result of the community feedback and support DoT received, 320 Reynard Street is considered the preferred location for the new substation by DoT.
In early 2020 DoT will start designing plans for the new substation, engaging the community during the process.
Construction of the new building will be similar to small-scale residential building developments in the area.
Looking for more information?
This project is delivered and coordinated by the State Government Department of Transport (DoT) previously called Public Transport Victoria (PTV). Moreland City Council has advocated to protect the safety of its community in regards to DoT’s project.
If you have a question or would like further information about this project, you can contact Department of Transport via their website.