New substation relocated

An electrical substation to service the Woy Woy commuter carpark will now be built beside an existing substation in the Swancott Centre carpark in Railway St.

Excavations for the new substation were started at a location on the opposite side of the carpark, as approved by the council in December before it was discovered that water and sewer mains existed at the site.

Construction company Built Pty Ltd advised that the previously approved site was not practical due to the presence of an existing sewer and water main.

The initial location was found to be inappropriate following an investigation undertaken by a consultant employed by the Transport Construction Authority, the council was told.

No explanation was given of why the pipes had not been discovered before work had started.

Council staff told last week's council meeting that the existing sewer and water mains would have to be relocated if construction was to proceed at the approved site.

Relocation would incur a major cost and a delay in completing the commuter car park expansion.

Director of Corporate Services Mr Nic Pasternatsky said the consultant investigated the area and found it would be too costly to remove the water and sewer main and came back to Council with an alternative site.

"We assist with the provision of this sort of thing because that's infrastructure for the community.

"Council will never oppose that," said Ms Pasternatsky.

According to a report by council staff, the new location will not reduce car parking spaces and will improve traffic flow within the car park.

Council Agenda COR.31, 1 Mar 2011