Western Power is building a new 6km underground 132kV transmission line (cable) to increase the flow of energy between Perth and the Mid West region enabling the connection of more wind and solar generation. The project is strengthening the backbone of the network for cleaner reliable and affordable energy system for all.
Project overview
What is the Padbury Substation to Wangara Substation project?
Starting at the Padbury Substation on Gibson Avenue, the new line will run underground along Gibson Avenue, loop through Livingston Way, and continue along Whitfords Avenue. It will transition to an overhead section on the freeway overpass using four poles, then return underground on Whitfords Avenue before continuing down Wanneroo Road and entering Wangara Substation from Lancaster Road.
The line route and design was selected to make use of existing infrastructure, while balancing affordability and supporting ongoing important local and State Government projects that will benefit the local community.
Visual amenity and broader community values were paramount considerations in the route and design selection process and included rigorous environmental and cultural heritage assessments and approvals.
We’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way and will share construction information to minimise any disruptions on you. Please register for updates on the right. Construction is expected to start in mid-2026 and be completed in 2027.
Project map
The below map shows a representation of the proposed Padbury Substation to Wangara Substation line route. You can click the markers to identify key sites and points on the map.
*The map is a simple representation - location is indicative. Line routes are subject to detailed design and route selection.
Work notices
31 Mar 26 - Padbury Substation
Work is set to commence to upgrade the Padbury Substation in preparation for the new underground 132kV transmission line from Padbury Substation to Wangara Substation project.
What’s Involved
The works involve increasing the substation’s capacity by upgrading primary electrical equipment. These upgrades will enhance the existing power capacity and improve its ability to transmit renewable energy.
Where
All construction activities will take place within the existing substation located on Gibson Road.
When
Work is scheduled to start on Tuesday 31 March and conclude on Tuesday 30 June 2026, with work occurring Monday to Saturday between 07:00 and 19:00.
What to expect – you may notice:
Traffic changes: There may be more construction vehicles using Gibson Avenue to deliver items to the substation. To minimise the build-up off traffic along Gibson Avenue, offloading of all deliveries will occur inside the boundary of the substation.
Parking arrangements: All Operational parking inside the substation, with overflow parking on Pinnaroo Drive Gibson Park Pump Track.
Minimal distribution: As works will be confined within the substation, nearby residents should not experience significant noise, dust or vibration.
Need more information?
- General construction queries:
- Construction Manager Abdallah Joudeh on 0428 227 935
- Acciona Community Engagement Team - 0457 305 461 or 0408 921 309 or email: celn.info@acciona.com.au
We’re getting in touch about upcoming GPR surveys as part of early construction work for the Clean Energy Link – North: Padbury Substation to Wangara Substation project.
Acciona, on behalf of Western Power, will undertaking early works for the new underground 132kV transmission from Padbury Substation to Wangara Substation.
What’s Involved
To support the design of safe, stable and reliable infrastructure, we’ll be conducting GPR survey works to gather information about existing underground utilities. These works don’t require vegetation clearance and won’t disturb the existing environment.
Where
The surveys will occur on the pedestrian path along both sides of Livingstone Way from the Gibson Avenue intersection to the first bend of Livingstone Way near Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park.
When
Work is scheduled to take place on Thursday 12 March 2026 and will be completed the same day. Work will occur between 7:00am and 5:00pm.
What to expect – you may notice
- Personnel in high-vis clothing pushing a GPR troller (similar to a lawnmower) along the footpath and verge. Access to your property, Gibson Avenue and Livingstone Way will remain open at all times.
- Use of light equipment, including survey tools, no heavy construction machinery will be used.
- Spray marks on the ground (these will fade away with time).
- Minor noise and occasional vehicle movements during work period.
Traffic and access
Your property access will be maintained during the works; please follow directions from on-site traffic controllers.
Work is set to commence to upgrade the Wangara Substation in preparation for the new underground 132kV transmission line from Padbury Substation to Wangara Substation project.
What’s Involved
The works include expanding the substation and upgrading electrical equipment to support its operation. These improvements will enhance the existing power supply and boost the capacity for renewable energy transmission.
Where
All construction activity will take place within the existing substation located on Windsor Road, and site compound located along Gavranich Way.
When
Work is scheduled to start on Thursday 15 January and conclude on Monday 20 April 2026, with work occurring Monday to Friday between 06:45 and 17:00.
What to expect – you may notice:
Traffic changes: There may be more construction vehicles using Lancaster and Windsor Roads. To keep traffic flowing smoothly, vehicles will enter the substation from Lancaster Road and exit via Windsor Road.
Parking arrangements: All visitor and contractor parking will be inside the substation compound at the rear of the site.
Minimal distribution: As works will be confined within the substation, surrounding businesses should not experience significant noise, dust or vibration.
Need more information?
- General construction queries:
- Construction Manager Abdallah Joudeh on 0428 227 935
- Acciona Community Engagement Team - 0457 305 461 or 0408 921 309 or email: info.celn@acciona.com.au
- To register for updates: visit westernpower.com.au/cleanenergylinknorth
Part two of our early works along the proposed line route are set to begin. This stage starts at Padbury Substation on Gibson Avenue, follows Whitfords Avenue and Wanneroo Road and finishes at Wangara Substation via Lancaster Road.
What’s involved
To support the design of safe, stable and reliable infrastructure, we’ll be conducting site investigations and survey works. This includes:
- land surveys to gather information about existing underground utilities
- digging small test pits (around 0.2m wide x 3m deep) on the road verge to assess soil conditions and locate underground services.
Where
Survey and site investigation works will occur along Whitfords Avenue, with single-lane closures on:
- Gibson Avenue (between Whitfords Avenue and Livingstone Way), southbound
- Whitfords Avenue (between Gibson Avenue and Duffy Terrace), eastbound
Additionally, test pits will be excavated on a verge near your property. This is one of 14 test pits planned along the full proposed cable route.
When
Survey works are scheduled to take place nightly from Tuesday 21 October to Thursday 23 October 2025, between 8:00pm and 4:30am, to minimise disruption to road users.
Test pit excavation works are expected from Tuesday 21 October to Saturday 25 October 2025, between 7:00am and 5:00pm daily.
What to expect
All works follow approved traffic and noise management plans. You may notice:
- traffic management and signposted detours guiding road users safely around work zones
- clear signage, temporary fencing, and safety barriers marking active work areas
- light equipment being used, including survey tools and augers. No heavy construction machinery will be used
- minor noise and occasional vehicle movements during both day and night works.
Traffic and access
- your property access will be maintained during night survey works; please follow directions from on-site traffic controllers
- pedestrian access will be maintained at all times
- daytime test pit works will not disrupt traffic flow along Gibson Avenue, Whitfords Avenue, or Lancaster Road.
We’re committed to minimising disruption and will reinstate the verge promptly after works are completed. Acciona and sub-contractor personnel will be clearly identifiable on site.
