Puckapunyal Military HV Upgrade

Puckapunyal Military HV Upgrade
Quick Facts
ClientDepartment of Defence
LocationPuckapunyal Military Base, Victoria
TimingDecember 2016 - April 2018
ContractConstruct only
SectorUnregulated

Puckapunyal Military Area (PMA) is a major Defence training base that is considerably affected when power outages occur.

Quick Facts
ClientDepartment of Defence
LocationPuckapunyal Military Base, Victoria
TimingDecember 2016 - April 2018
ContractConstruct only
SectorUnregulated

In 2015, there were 15 power failures at the PMA. With a single feed source of HV supply, known as Seymour 1 (SMR1) from the Seymour Zone Sub Station (SMR ZSS), any major failure occurring on the feeder would mean the PMA would be without HV power for an extended period. The HV supply and internal HV reticulation network at the PMA has also become inadequate over time as power demand increases and assets reach their end of life.

The key driver for the project was the need to provide the PMA with sufficient reliable electrical power to enable operations to proceed, without the disruption and inefficiency caused by electrical power interruptions or systemic shortages now and for future capacity expansion. Given the complexities and sensitivities of the project, Defence was clear in their desire for a capable contractor that understood these challenges and that would ensure that minimal disruptions to base operations were experienced.

Scope of works

Following a competitive tender process, Zinfra was contracted to construct the high voltage (HV) upgrade works at the PMA, located 10 kilometres west of Seymour, in central Victoria. Works included:

  • Upgrades to the internal HV power reticulation by establishing an underground HV network (approximately 23.8km and 27 new pad mounted substations and the refurbishment of 7 existing substations) through three new ring feeders throughout the site, including installation of a Power Control and Monitoring System (PCMS).

  • Building a new Intake Switching Station No. 1 (ISS No. 1) to meet design and code requirements. Replace existing aboveground incoming cable from cable head pole to ISS No. 1. Reconnect this to the upgraded SMR1 feeder (AusNet scope of works). This includes general building, electrical, HVAC and Fire Protection works.

  • Install a new Intake Station (IS No. 2) at the base boundary to house metering and isolation facilities for the SMR4 supply. Connect to the newly established SMR4 feeder (AusNet scope of works).

  • Construct a new additional Intake Switching Station (ISS No. 2). Connect to Intake Station No. 2 (IS No. 2). This includes general building, electrical, HVAC and Fire Protection works.

  • Install an interconnector between ISS No. 1 & ISS No. 2.

  • Construct a new Aerial Bundled Cable (ABC) HV line to the Northern Spur

  • Provide a Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) to provide power to the Ammunition Dump to replace the Western Spur

  • Demolish/remove redundant HV infrastructure

  • Civil/Earthworks associated with the construction of new Intake Switching Stations, cable trenching and distribution substations.

  • Selectively replace outdated low voltage (LV) equipment as appropriate which are required to enable the HV upgrade

Zinfra was selected for our capability and capacity to be the ideal low-risk delivery partner to Defence with highly skilled technical engineering resources, led by outstanding project management personnel.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which we operate and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Pictured: Artwork by Aboriginal artist Chern’ee Sutton from Mount Isa for our Group’s Reconciliation Action Plan.