4 December 2013

Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam has today announced that the power line project along Harcus River Road is on track to be finalised early next year with works commencing next week.

Council was the recipient of a $1.5 million grant from the Tasmanian Forests Intergovernmental Agreement funds for Harcus River Road Infrastructure upgrades in 2012.

“Since the announcement was made in 2012, Council has been busy working through all the local issues associated with a 23 kilometre roll out of new power lines,” Mayor Quilliam said.

“Council delegated the project management to the Circular Head Progress Group Inc, to assist with liaison with adjoining landowners, project research, aboriginal heritage studies, flora and fauna studies and project management.”

Council is also assessing concept plans for the improvement of Harcus River Road and have allocated finances in this year’s budget to determine a future works program for the road.

Circular Head Progress Group Chairman John McNab said the Progress Group was thrilled with the opportunity to work with Council to achieve a sustainable outcome in the interest of farming expansion for the area.

The Circular Head Progress Group was fortunately able to use one of its contractors as assist in the project management and achieve a most desirable outcome.

Mr McNab said he was pleased to announce:

• The project will proceed , as the tendered costs will meet the $1.5 million budget;
• A1 Tree Services, of Devonport, won the vegetation clearing tender;
• There will be 231 new power poles along the Harcus River Road frontage;
• Vegetation removal will commence from 9 December 2013, and be completed by March 2014; and
• Aurora is preparing services to commence poles and wires installation after Christmas.

“I look forward to the completion of the road and the agricultural growth that will occur as a result of having electricity delivered to approximately 25 land owners along the route,” Mr McNab said.

“There will be a significant upside in the productive capacity of all of the farms, including Woolnorth as power becomes available.”