Brief Summary of Objection to Development Number 25033999 New substation and 27 above ground transmission poles

The Mt Barker & District Residents' Association has lodged an objection to Development Number 25033999, which proposes a new electricity substation, a 66kV overhead transmission line supported by 27 new poles, associated infrastructure, and 3-metre-high security fencing in Mount Barker.

The Association argues that the proposed substation is inappropriately located within 50–100 metres of the Edge Early Learning Centre, an existing childcare facility, and near residential areas and a future school site. The submission raises concerns about:

·       Land-use compatibility between high-voltage electrical infrastructure and sensitive uses such as childcare facilities.

·       Potential health impacts, citing concerns about children's exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and advocating application of the precautionary principle.

·       Safety risks, including fire, equipment failure, and emergency management issues associated with a 66kV substation.

·       Noise and visual impacts, with concerns that the substation, overhead powerlines, and security fencing would introduce an industrial appearance and reduce local amenity.

·       Increased infrastructure footprint, noting that transmission poles would increase from 13 to 27 and that the new 66kV poles would be larger than existing 11kV poles.

·       Preference for underground cabling, questioning why most of the transmission line remains overhead when part of the route is proposed to be underground.

·       Impacts on trees and wildlife, including potential damage to significant trees and increased risks of wildlife electrocution.

·       Consistency with the Planning and Development Code, arguing the proposal does not adequately minimise visual impacts, environmental effects, or impacts on residential amenity.

The Association's preferred outcome is for the development to be relocated to an alternative industrial or commercial site, with all transmission lines placed underground. Failing relocation, it requests that the development application be refused due to its proximity to sensitive land uses and perceived failure to adequately protect community amenity, environmental values, and children's wellbeing.

Read the full submission here