Cowra Drought Water Security: Electrical Upgrade (Heavy Voltage Level 1)

Council invites tender submissions from suitably qualified and experienced parties to undertake electrical upgrades (heavy voltage augmentation) as approved, to service Council's Emergency Drought Security Infrastructure.

Objective

The objective of this project is to deliver a safe, reliable, and compliant electricity supply to the Cowra Drought Water Security Pump Station located on Jumbuck Lane, Billimari NSW 2804. This infrastructure is critical to supporting Cowra Shire Council’s long-term drought resilience strategy by enabling continuous operation of high-capacity water pumping systems during periods of water scarcity.

The project aims to:

• Establish a high-voltage (HV) electrical connection from the existing Essential Energy network to the new pump station site.

• Ensure all works are designed and constructed in accordance with Essential Energy’s standards, NSW legislation, and environmental planning policies.

• Minimise environmental and community impacts through careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and implementation of best-practice construction and safety methods.

• Provide infrastructure that is scalable, maintainable, and future-ready, including the installation of spare conduits and robust earthing systems.

• Support regional sustainability and water security through the timely and efficient delivery of essential utility services.

This specification outlines the technical, environmental, and safety requirements that must be met by the successful contractor to achieve these objectives.

Scope of Works

HV Network Augmentation

The Contractor shall undertake the augmentation of Essential Energy’s existing high-voltage overhead network at Pole 3312 072 to facilitate the new supply connection to the Cowra Drought Water Security Pump Station.

Scope includes:

• Installation of a new 15.5m wood pole with 6kN rating at the existing pole location.

• Construction of an 11kV strain assembly and aerial links for isolation of the new underground cable.

• Integration with existing 7/4.50 AAAC conductors.

• Ensuring adequate ground clearance and compliance with CEOM7097 Clause 3.5.6.6 and AS/NZS 7000.

• Installation of HV enclosed switchgear and associated fittings.