What are we doing?
Raymond Island’s power supply is connected by an overhead powerline on Fort King Road, Paynesville running across the McMillans Strait in Gippsland Lakes.
In 2024, a marine incident damaged the powerline causing a power outage on Raymond Island. We deployed backup generators to the area while we repaired the powerline.
To prevent future incidents like this, we’re replacing the overhead line with a new underground cable to improve the power reliability to Raymond Island.
This upgrade will also remove the requirement for vessel height restrictions at the northern end of McMillans Strait, that are currently in place due to the overhead powerline.
What can I expect during construction?
From early May to late June, we’ll be building the underground power supply between:
- 84 and 91 Fort King Road, Paynesville
- 145 and 165 Western Boulevard, Raymond Island.
Construction hours are from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
While weekend works are not planned, some weekend work may be required.
Works on Fort King Road and Western Boulevard include:
- digging with a vacuum truck to locate underground services
- using large machinery to replace existing power poles with new ones
- underground boring works to install the new cable three metres below the seabed
- cable hauling works to recover the existing powerline.
During these works, you may notice:
- noise from machinery vehicles
- traffic controllers guiding pedestrians and road users safely around the works area
- on street parking restrictions near the work area
- digging in the nature strip
- reinstatement works – for example, restoring the area close to its original state.
Upcoming power outages
We need to turn the power supply off at Raymond Island and parts of Paynesville so we can safely install the new power poles and switch supply over to the new underground cable.
Outage dates:
- Wednesday 28 May 2025 from 8:30am to 4pm.
- Wednesday 25 June 2025 from 8:30am to 5pm.
All affected customers will be notified in advance via SMS or mail.
Closure of McMillans Strait
On Wednesday 25 June, McMillans Strait will be closed to all vessel traffic from the north approach up to the Fort King Boat Ramp.
Gippsland Ports Marine Officers will be patrolling the area for your safety while we remove the redundant overhead power line.
Will there be impacts to my driveway?
Access to driveways will be maintained during these works. Traffic controllers will be on site to help vehicles and pedestrians move safely around the area.
Can I still access the Fort King boat ramp and the boat jetties on Raymond Island?
Access to the boat ramp and jetties will still be available. Please talk to one of our traffic controllers to safely navigate around the work area.
Will backup generation be available during the outage?
Power generation was deployed in September last year due to the unexpected disruption of power to customers on Raymond Island. As this work is scheduled in advance for a short period, backup generation will not be supplied on this occasion.
If you have any questions:- Call 1300 360 795
- Email: customersupport@ausnetservices.com.au