Stirling Hwy's steel poles to be replaced by underground power system

9/11/98

Stirling Highway's unsightly steel power poles, which have lined the highway since the days of Perth's trolley buses, will be gradually replaced as the State's ongoing underground power program gets under way.

Energy Minister Colin Barnett said today that residents whose suburbs backed on to Stirling Highway would start to see the poles removed and replaced with an underground distribution system.

Round one of the $31 million ongoing project would include areas of Cottesloe (east ward) and Peppermint Grove.

"During the first stage of this work, the overhead power lines and the rather unattractive, and in many cases rusty steel poles will start to be removed," Mr Barnett said.

"The first to go will be between Parry and Johnston streets.

"Work began last week in the east ward of Cottesloe and will move progressively into Peppermint Grove within a few months. Work will begin in the Nedlands area, which is also included in round one, late next year and completed by June 2000.

"I am sure many residents will be happy that the steel poles will finally be removed - they have been a hallmark of Stirling Highway dating back to the days of the old trolley buses. The poles were then used to hoist electricity cables and that is how they have remained to the present day."

Perth was the first city in Australia to use trolley buses. They were introduced in 1933, with the service extended in 1938 down Stirling Highway to Swanbourne. Trolley buses were progressively extended to service the areas of Floreat, Wembley and the Claremont Showgrounds. The last trolley bus service was in 1969.

Mr Barnett said the old power poles would be replaced with uniform street lighting along Stirling Highway. The steel poles, once removed, would be used for scrap.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699