Moreland Council backs homeowners on opposition to substation

A new location will be sought for a tram-fuelling substation that is planned to be built within 20cm of a Pascoe Vale South home. But the preferred alternate location appears to be off the cards.

The LoChiano family in front of the proposed substation building. Picture: Ellen Smith

A homeowner whose bedrooms will sit 20cm away from a proposed substation has welcomed Moreland Council’s push for an alternate site.

Public Transport Victoria plans to build the substation at 211 Reynard St within touching distance of Carmel LoChiano’s home.

The council will write to State Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne, asking PTV to stop work on the site and seek an alternative location.

It will also request facts about the noise levels and electromagnetic fields that will be emitted by the substation.

But the council wouldn’t offer nearby Shore Reserve for the substation, as PTV suggested in 2014.

The parkland is already home to one substation and PTV asked the council to build another — which would service the Route 58 tram — in 2014 and 2016.

The council denied the requests in an attempt to maintain open space.

More than 30 people attended the council meeting with placards.

Ms LoChiano said she was pleased with the council’s support and was hopeful the request for scientific details would be adhered to.

“That’s what we’ve been asking for all along from PTV, that was our first thing we asked and we got nothing,” she said.

“It’s fingers crossed now, it’s up to the minster and it’s in her hands.”

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Cr Sue Bolton said the proposed location was inappropriate.

“I do think the substation needs to be relocated, it’s absolutely too close where it is now,” she said.

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Questions asked to Ms Horne by the Leader were referred to PTV.

“PTV is working with the local community to ensure the new substation is built with as little impact to the amenity of the area as possible,” PTV spokeswoman Georgia Main said.

Work is expected to begin on the substation in the second half of the year.