We're upgrading transmission towers that supply electricity to the Portland Aluminium Smelter. This multi-year upgrade is essential for the continued safe and reliable delivery of electricity to the region and to maintain resilient infrastructure that supports Victoria’s energy needs.
Staged works
This project will be delivered in two stages over several years, starting near the coast and moving inland.
Stage 1: 24 November to early 2027
- replace seven steel transmission towers along the Heywood to Alcoa 500kV transmission line located nearest the coast on Alcoa-owned land
- install temporary bypass structures to support keeping the line in service while we replace the towers
- transfer wires from two additional towers to monopoles - these will be replaced in stage 2.
Stage 2: completed 2028
Stage 2 will address the remaining towers, with the scope of work to be confirmed following further inspections and assessments.
What we'll do:
- construct access tracks and hardstands to support machinery and equipment
- install temporary bypass line using steel poles on either side of the existing towers
- dismantle and remove existing towers
- strengthen existing tower foundations
- construct new towers and install conductors and ground wire
- remove the bypass line and remediate all sites.
Landholders
We are consulting with landholders who have these towers on their properties. We will work with them to minimise disruption to their land, businesses and farming operations throughout the project.
Traffic management from 24 November 2025
- Wellington Road (Madeira Packet Road to Derril Road / Childers Street)
- Madeira Packet Road (Wellington Road to Alcoa entrance)
- Quarry Road
Not all locations will be under traffic management at the same time.
What this means for the community
Construction may cause temporary impacts such as noise, dust, and increased traffic from trucks and other heavy vehicles accessing work sites.
More information and contact
We will continue to update this page as the project progresses.
If you have any questions or concerns about the project:
- Call: 1300 360 795 (8am to 5pm, weekdays)
- Email: transmissionprojects@ausnetservices.com.au