At the 5 August 2024 meeting the council approved funding to complete stage 1 of the project which will underground power lines along Echunga’s historic main street from Male’s fuel depot to the Church Hill Road intersection.

The project marks the first of three planned stages to underground power lines along Echunga's main street. Funding for the remaining two stages is yet to be secured: however, the Council plans to submit further PLEC applications to obtain the necessary funding.

PLEC have confirmed the total cost for completing Stage 1 is around $1.4 million with Council contributing approximately $535,000, consisting of a $410,194 PLEC contribution and $125,000 set aside to cover contingency and project management costs.

Mayor David Leach heralded confirmation of the PLEC funding as a significant milestone for the project, noting that the project is an important step in the delivery of the community’s vision for the Echunga main street.

“The undergrounding project will bring numerous benefits to the township, including enhanced safety and improved visual appeal, which will support local economic development and further preserve the historic charm of our town,” Mayor Leach said.

The Echunga community has advocated for the power lines to be undergrounded and for the main street to be upgraded since the two projects were identified as key priorities in the Echunga Township Plan, which was endorsed by the council in 2019.

A community reference group of business owners, main street residents and Echunga Community Association members has assisted the council in preparing the PLEC funding application and developing the plans for the upgrade of the street.

Following broad community and stakeholder engagement, the council endorsed a concept design for the upgrade of the Echunga main street in December 2023.

Along with undergrounding of power lines, this design included upgrading of the streetscape with wider footpaths, extensive garden beds and swales, and new street trees.

Stage 1 of the PLEC work will commence in early 2025 and is expected to take around six months to complete. Both the council  and South Australian Power Networks staff will work closely with main street residents to provide clear details on the timing and process for completing the undergrounding. Additionally, they will ensure that the new power connections are designed to minimise any power outages during the installation period.

“Main streets play an important role in supporting local economic development and fostering social inclusion and wellbeing,” Mayor Leach said.

“Council has continued to invest in the upgrade of main streets across the district with recent examples including Venables Street in Macclesfield, Princes Highway in Nairne and Princes Highway in Littlehampton.

"We've listened to the Echunga community and are taking action. We're excited about the upcoming power line undergrounding and streetscape projects and the many benefits they will bring to the township."

Learn more about the Echunga Undergrounding Powerlines project