At its 22 November meeting, Council considered community feedback for the Undergrounding of Powerlines Policy and associated draft Special Rate and Special Charge Scheme Policy to decide the next steps, as set out in the resolution below:

1. notes the report
2. supports the undergrounding of powerlines where it is at the request of the community and at their full cost
3. facilitates the negotiations between the residents and relevant authorities to support the undergrounding of powerlines (and other services) if there is sufficient interest in a street
4. abandons the Undergrounding of Powerlines Policy and the Special Rate and Special Charges Policy as there is insufficient support from the community

Although there is clear community support for putting powerlines underground, opinions are

divided about how to fund these works.

Council has decided to abandon the policy and will continue to support the undergrounding of powerlines through our major infrastructure or open space upgrades, and also help interested groups of residents arrange for their powerlines to be put underground if there is sufficient interest in a street.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the community consultation, and those who submitted written statements or spoke in relation to the project at the November meeting.

To find out more from the meeting please visit Council’s website.