AUGUST 20, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Depot works power up By Jessica Micallef Construction has begun on a larger Kyneton power depot. Electricity distribution business Powercor invested $10 million to build a new Kyneton-based depot on Redesdale Road, down the road from the existing depot. The depot will have improved office areas, storage for equipment and fleet, additional parking and truck sheds and wash areas. The project is expected to support Powercor’s expansion of its workforce. Kyneton field leader Phil Robinson said the upgrade will help reinforce Powercor’s commitment to the Macedon Ranges. “Our local depot allows crews to manager and respond quickly to network faults and customer needs,” he said. “The current facility was built 40 years ago. It was built in a different era to accommodate different equipment and trucks. “The works will allow us to construct a fit-for-purpose facility that can accommodate the large, modern equipment our crews use to maintain electrical infrastructure.” The current depot was built in 1979 and accommodates 20 employees including field crews, engineers and planners. The new depot is expected to support up to a 25 per cent increase in field resources. Crews and employees at the depot support customers in Kyneton, Woodend, Trentham, Redesdale, Spring Hill, Malmsbury, Gisborne, Riddells Creek, Romsey, Lancefield and Pyalong. In the Macedon Ranges, employees at the current depot operate and maintain more than 16,000 electricity poles, 2137 kilometres of powerlines and almost 3900 distribution transformers that deliver power to more than 21,827 Powercor customers. Construction of the new Redesdale Road depot startd last month. The depot is expected to be completed by mid next year.
The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival will soon be in full bloom. Festival secretary Margaret Dearricott said the event, now in its 47th year, was a spectacular way to welcome in spring. “Kyneton has wonderful daffodils that grow well here and it always makes a wonderful display,” she said. “It’s a great thing to build a festival on. There are a number of special features – there’s the spring flower show, concerts, but I think a lot of people see the grand parade on the very last day as the great showpiece of the festival. “One thousand people are in the parade itself. There are bands, floats, marching groups from community groups, wonderful cars and a few special fun attractions.” About 20,000 people are expected to make their way to Kyneton for the 11-day festival. “It’s great for locals but a lot of visitors do come as well,” Ms Dearricott said. “We have the tradition of having a festival king and queen and prince and princess. We’ve got ferret racing and a dog dash – they are big fun events. The dog dash is really hilarious, people really love their dogs.” The festival begins on Thursday, September 5 and runs until Sunday, September 15. Details: kynetondaffodilarts.org.au MARG DEARRICOTT
Jessica Micallef
12425008-SN34-19 10070720-08
(Damjan Janevski)
An artist’s impression of the new $10 million Kyneton depot being developed to support regional services. (Supplied)
Spring into flower festival
158-166 High Street, Melton 8746 0323
Shane 0411 373 225 | Chris 0478 737 692
Limited offers, while stocks last. These offers are only available at participating Suzuki automobile dealers. Private buyers only. Vehicles must be purchased between 01/08/19 and 31/08/19 to be eligible for these offers. 1. Premium metallic paint $500 extra. 2. Price based on manual model. Premium metallic paint $500 extra; premium two-tone paint $1,250 extra. 3. Price based on manual model. Premium metallic paint $500 extra.