What is happening?
The Ballarat East substation will be located at 203 York Street on land owned by Powercor. This land has been zoned for use “for the construction of services and utilities” for more than 50 years.
Powercor has zone substations in the heart of residential communities in regions like Geelong, Warrnambool, Werribee, Sunshine, Melton, Laverton, Waurn Ponds and Torquay.
The Ballarat East substation will include an architecturally-designed exterior that will be co-designed with the local community. It will also feature technology that reduces the risk of powerline-related bushfires by instantly cutting power if a line is contacted.
Powercor is investing over $30 million to build the new zone substation. As part of the project, Powercor has developed a $2 million Community Benefits Package to provide benefits for individuals and the broader community. As part of this package, Powercor will establish a $200,000 Community Legacy Fund to support investments in parks, recreation or security within the community.
Why is this project important?
The Ballarat East Zone Substation will support Ballarat’s growing population, which is driving an increase in electricity demand on existing infrastructure.
It will support the growth in solar installations, electric vehicles and other electric equipment, and the network in the event of power outages and extreme weather.
The substation will also feature technology designed to protect the broader community by reducing the risk of powerline-related bushfires.
What’s next
Work to build Ballarat’s third zone substation is set to start in the week of 14 July, 2025.
We will keep local residents updated on our construction activities through monthly updates or on our website. If you have any questions, please email us at: majorprojects@powercor.com.au or call us at: 13 22 06
You can learn more about what to expect during construction here.
Bus stop temporary relocation
From first service Monday, 2 June to last service Monday, 30 June 2025. The Pennyweight Park/York Street Bus stop on Bus Route 20 (to Canadian) will be temporarily located 20 metres before the original bus stop.
While the zone substation is expected to be operating early 2026, activity on the site will continue until mid 2026 as we complete landscaping and other activities.
Fence design unveiled
After months of speaking with the community about what they would like the outside of the substation to look like, our architects have created a design that reflects that feedback and celebrates Ballarat’s rich history.
The fence will be painted in Pale Eucalypt (green) and Evening Haze (neutral), with some areas available for painted murals. It will feature modern perforated panels showcasing distinct patterns and pictures celebrating the local area. It will incorporate images of the gold rush era, the Eureka Stockade flag, some of Ballarat’s heritage buildings, Lake Wendouree and other local icons.
The fence will vary in height, from 3.1 to 3.5 metres, and will include soft low-level feature lighting to create a subtle effect at night. A range of native shrubs will be planted around the fence.
Image shown is an artist impression to visualise the concept. Final appearance may vary.
Image shown is an artist impression to visualise the concept. Final appearance may vary.
How to get involved
We are committed to working with the local community to design the new Ballarat Zone Substation and the nearby surrounds and invite you to play a pivotal role through our community co-design initiative.
Thank you to everyone who participated in Stage 2 of our community consultation. The survey is now closed and we appreciate your input on the final fence design, colour choices, feature lighting options and the Community Benefit Fund.
We are now in the evaluation stage, where we will review all feedback to finalise the design and determine the Community Benefit Fund outcome.
We’ll provide an update in 2025 on the outcomes and next steps.
Other ways to shape the project
If you would like to request a conversation with us personally you can call 13 22 06 during business hours or email majorprojects@powercor.com.au (external link).
You can also sign up to receive email updates on this project at Engage Powercor.
Webinar – EMF and water management
Thank you to everyone who attended our webinar on Wednesday 31 July. The recording is now available and can viewed at engage.powercor.com.au/ballarateastzss.
If you have any further questions or require assistance viewing the webinar recording please email majorprojects@powercor.com.au
Response to City of Ballarat
On 22 May 2024, the City of Ballarat Council moved a motion seeking an on-site visit between Powercor representative, councillors, council officers and residents in relation to the Ballarat East Zone Sub-Station project. Our response can be viewed here.
Property condition survey
As part of the construction of the new Ballarat East Zone Substation, Powercor is offering a complimentary property condition survey and report for properties within 50 metres of the construction site. This independent assessment records the current condition of eligible properties and serves as a reference in case any concerns arise during or after construction.
Community solar fund
We are offering payments up to $10,000 to fund the installation of 5kW solar systems or a battery for people whose homes (main dwelling) are materially within a 100-metre radius of the York Street site.
We’ve notified eligible residents about how to access our Community Solar Fund. We’ve released the payment process and provided an approved list of electrical contractors.
If you eligible for the payment but haven’t yet contacted us or received information, there is still time. For questions or for more information, email us at majorprojects@powercor.com.au or call 13 22 06.
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