Ausgrid has completed the difficult task of replacing poles carrying high voltage power lines over Port Hacking.
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The project followed a finding the low height of the power lines presented an “extreme” risk to vessels.
The risk was highlighted by an incident in January, 2011, when the mast of a yacht made contact with the 11,000 volt lines.
Two 36 metre high, steel poles – one at Burraneer and the other at Maianbar – have replaced 22 metre wooden poles.
An Ausgrid spokesman said on Wednesday the power lines had been transferred and the old poles removed, almost completing the project.
The new poles are embedded four metres into the ground at Rutherford Reserve at Burraneer, and on Ausgrid owned land in Pacific Crescent, Maianbar.
About 1300 homes and businesses in Bundeena and Maianbar are supplied by two 11,000 volt feeders from Cronulla zone substation.
Along with the overhead lines, there is a 11,000 volt submarine cable, which Ausgrid is investigating replacing.
“In 2010, Ausgrid’s overhead crossing was surveyed from its lowest point at 13 metres above the maximum high water level,” a 2016 community engagement report said.
“In January, 2011, a yacht’s mast made contact with the 11,000 volt overhead power line crossing the Port Hacking River between Maianbar and Burraneer.
“NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has advised Ausgrid that the height of the largest vessel seen in the area has been a yacht with a 22 metre mast.
“Consequently, an independent risk assessment has been completed.
“The study concluded that the crossing has a risk rating of extreme (code rated as intolerable), as it spans a popular waterway that is used for recreational and commercial purposes, attracting many different vessel types.
“Additionally, there are no bridges or other structures that restrict tall vessels from entering this section of the waterway and coming into contact with the power line.”
