Bushfire Mitigation Powerline Replacement Program
March 21, 2020

Over the last six years, Balpara’s surveying team has been extensively involved in this major government fire prevention initiative, seeing us work alongside Powercor across Western Victoria. Our experience in electrical engineering, asset location and assessment, detailing, drafting, sag and sway assessments and electrical project management has seen our team sought out for the duration of this ongoing project.

 

Project Overview

 

Balpara has provided continued assistance in this ongoing program that involves removing hundreds of kilometres of dangerous or old overhead powerlines in ‘high risk’ bushfire areas. These are then replaced with high voltage underground electrical cables, installed using advanced drilling equipment with almost zero environmental impact or disturbance. These electrical cables are required to service entire regional suburbs in each project area.


To date, Balpara has been involved in over 300km of underground electrical cable installation and is set to be involved in another large section throughout 2020.

 

Project Scope

 

  • Feature surveying of electrical cables and associated roads, fences and boundaries in sections of every 3 – 10 metres for up to 50km per regional suburb.
  • Production of As-Built drawings using processed survey results for every 3 – 10 metre section correct to MGA coordinates.
  • Approximately 500 As-Built drawings delivered per regional suburb, providing accurate asset locations for future maintenance and safety.
  • Produce works to within ±20mm accuracy to MGA coordinates ensuring information can be used by ‘dial before you dig’ to prevent high voltage cables being struck by future civil works.


Value Add

 

The longevity of Balpara’s contract demonstrates our proven ability to continually meet and exceed expectations with high-quality and thorough work.

 

Relevant Accreditation/Quality Standards

 

  • This project is undertaken adhering to all VESI training requirements, best practice surveying techniques and Powercor’s comprehensive site and office-based drafting standards.


Similar Projects

Sunbury Train Line Powerline Survey

Winton Solar Farm

Glenrowan West Solar Farm Substation

Cherry Tree Wind Farm Project

Sag and Sway Assessment for Pump Track Project

Beaconsfield Reconductoring Project


You may also like

highway in melbourne
June 30, 2025
Balpara was contracted to carry out detailing and auditing services for the Lathams Road Upgrades in Carrum Downs, as part of Victoria’s Big Build. Project Overview This project involved multiple upgrades across a 2.5km section of Lathams Road. The upgrade included the addition of additional lanes going both ways, upgrading 13 intersections along the road, building a new bridge over the Peninsula Link, adding walking and cycling paths, widening existing roundabouts, and installing safety barriers. The project had a strong emphasis on community consideration and utilising sustainable project materials. As an example, drainage pipes and kerbs installed used recycled plastic and a social procurement strategy was formulated by the developer, Winslow, to actively engage Indigenous businesses, generating meaningful employment and promoting indigenous representation in the construction industry. These upgrades were completed with the intention of improving traffic flow and travel times, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists and boosting the connectivity of local businesses in the Carrum Downs and Seaford community. Lathams Road is a vital road link for many of those in the surrounding community, and as such, these upgrades substantially improve traffic flow and access to surrounding industrial areas. Scope The team at Balpara was engaged to carry out detailing and auditing services for this road upgrade, including detailing, drafting and auditing. Detailing of the assets according to United Energy Standards: Public lighting poles Back of kerbs, both existing and new Conduits Finish surface levels Boundary lines Fences Other services in trench, i.e. storm water, comms, gas and more Drafting as-builts Auditing: Conduit installation to design Checking depths / offsets of conduits for compliance Maintaining compliant separation to other assets in the ground Checking backfills and warning tape compliance Checking cables sizes and type being installed Checking connections inside poles and pits Checking correct poles and lanterns, and pole numbers are being installed Producing audit reports for clients Value Add Balpara specialises in detailing and auditing and have a large team dedicated to all utilities across Victoria. With decades of experience in competitive bidding, Balpara delivers precise as-built drawings and audit reports, in accordance with United Energy and VESI Standards. Relevant Accreditation/Quality Standards Lighting along Lathams Road designed to AS/NZS 1158 – Category V3 requirements All assets installed in accordance with United Energy’s Standards and requirements VESI Standards VEDN Accredited Similar Projects Wells Road & Bardia Avenue Upgrades – Detailing & Auditing O’Shannasay Reservoir Melbourne Water Upgrade VEDN Civil, Electrical, Cable Hauling & Network Auditing Wyndham City Tarneit Road Public Lighting Project
June 16, 2025
Balpara was engaged by Civil & Road Contractor to provide detailing and auditing services for the signalisation upgrade of Wells Road and Bardia Avenue in Frankston. Project Overview This upgrade was identified as necessary by Frankston City Council to provide a safer and more accessible parking facility and road upgrades along Wells Rd and Bardia Avenue, to support active transport, reduce congestion, and improve overall safety for the growing Frankston City community. Road upgrades included the resurfacing of pavement, installation of new asphalt, upgrade of kerbing and drainage systems, re-painting line markings, and upgrading street lighting and traffic signal infrastructure.  With construction completed in May 2025, the Frankston City community can now benefit from the enhanced traffic flow, improved lighting, safer roads and more accessible parking. Scope The team at Balpara provided detailing, drafting and auditing services for assets installed as part of the new road upgrades. Works included: Utilising GPS technology to accurately capture the locations of new underground assets to develop a comprehensive layout of asset locations. Producing precise as built plans in accordance with current UE standards. Auditing public lighting poles, conduit installations and electrical pit installations. An on-site electrical walkthrough on to prepare the pre-commissioning audit report for clients. Value Add Balpara holds accreditations with all Victorian Power Authorities and as such was able to accurately detail, draft and audit this project to UE and council standards, producing deliverables within the required timeframes and allowing for efficient and quality workmanship for the benefit of the Frankston City community. Relevant Accreditation/Quality Standards UE Standards VESI Standards VEDN Accredited Similar Projects Major Roads Projects Victoria Kerang Solar Plant Oshannasay Reservoir Upgrade Ausnet Network Audits
a pump track
May 9, 2025
La Trobe City Council are planning to construct a Pump Track for residents to enjoy. This community space is designed to increase community connection in a positive environment.