Development application referrals

SARA is an agency of the State Government which delivers a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to the state’s assessment of development applications. SARA may be either the assessment manager or a Referral Agency for development applications where the state has a jurisdiction. However referrals are often also required for other agencies, including us. For example, an applicant may need to refer a development application to both the SARA and to us.

Under the Planning Regulation 2017, we are triggered as a Referral Agency for a development that would potentially affect the operation of the electricity distribution network.

For more information, refer to our Referral Fact Sheet - Planning Act 2016 (PDF 471.3 kb).

Substations

Bulk supply substations and zone substations require referral. A bulk supply or zone substation distributes high voltage electricity throughout the network. The below images depict the general scale and characteristics of a bulk supply or zone substation within our electricity network.

Easements

Developments on land affected by easements that are owned by us, or our predecessor companies, will need to be referred to us if triggered in accordance with Schedule 10 of the Planning Regulation 2017.

Low Voltage Transformers and Service Pillars

Transformers receive 11kV supply from zone substations and transform electricity to lower voltages suitable for residential, commercial and industrial uses. Service pillars represent a physical point of connection for customers to the network.

The below images depict the general scale and characteristics of transformers (which can be both pad or pole mounted) and service pillars within our electricity network.

Electricity easements are corridors of land that allow us clear access at any time to construct, operate, inspect, maintain and repair our powerlines and other network infrastructure. They also keep powerlines at a safe distance from other land uses and structures.

Landowners still own the land used for an easement, however they are restricted in how they can use and develop it.

You can find out if there is an easement over a property by doing a title search at Titles Queensland.

Sometimes there may be powerlines and other network assets on privately owned property but no easement. While there’s no need for formal referral in these cases, you should still consider our electricity infrastructure and where it is on the property to ensure the development complies with all safety requirements, as outlined in the Electrical Safety Act 2002 or Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.

Our current easements include those held by the regional Queensland electricity distribution companies that were amalgamated in 1999 to form Ergon Energy. These are:

• Far North Queensland Electricity Board (FNQEB)
• North Queensland Electricity Board (NORQEB)
• Mackay Electricity Board (MEB)
• Capricornia Electricity (CAPELEC)
• Wide Bay-Burnett Electricity Board (WBBEC)
• South West Queensland Electricity Board (South West Power).

A bulk supply or zone substation distributes high voltage electricity throughout the network. Substation sites don’t include pole mounted substations, transformers or voltage regulators, or pad mounted substations or transformers.

Bulk supply substations and zone substations require referral for planning and development activities.

The below images show the general scale and characteristics of a bulk supply or zone substation within our network.

Infrastructure Designation is a Queensland Government planning approval process that seeks the approval of the Planning Minister to identify land for community infrastructure (including network infrastructure), such as a new powerline or substation. It's important to protect land that is subject to an Infrastructure Designation.

Where a Development Application is affected by an Infrastructure Designation, it is referred to the State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA), who is then responsible for providing a response to the applicant. SARA may also require information or involvement from us where appropriate in the planning process, and prior to providing a response.

Incompatible development can make land unsuitable for the purposes it was designated for. It can also place additional cost on the community should buildings need to be moved later (e.g. residential buildings within an easement for a future powerline are not appropriate).

When an Infrastructure Designation is involved, SARA is the only assessing referral authority required. However, we are often called upon to provide SARA with any technical input. We are happy to receive pre-lodgement enquiries from development applicants to help resolve issues before lodgement. You can email us at townplanning@ergon.com.au.