other · City of Vincent
North Perth-Mt Lawley and Leederville underground-power dates pushed to 2028 review
Western Power has revised the delivery timeline for projects 347 and 406, with the City of Vincent seeking another update after the regulator’s final decision at the end of March 2028.
Residents and businesses in North Perth, Mount Lawley and Leederville will not have confirmed underground-power delivery dates until after the Economic Regulation Authority rules on proposed project dates at the end of March 2028.
The City of Vincent noted Western Power’s revised delivery timeline for project 347, North Perth-Mt Lawley, and project 406, Leederville. It asked Chief Executive Officer David MacLennan to provide a further update after the ERA’s final decision.
The update included discussion of City works planned alongside underground power, including street-tree planting. Western Power had advised the City from the start of its collaboration not to plan works programs around proposed underground-power timelines.
Administration said the City’s tree-planting program would continue at its planned rate. Tree locations might need to change to accommodate power poles, but trees could still be planted beneath powerlines because they would take several years to reach a height requiring pruning.
The main limitation on tree canopy from delays to undergrounding would be ongoing pruning of established street trees while powerlines remained above ground, administration said. Where funding agreements had been signed and underground-power construction dates locked in, the City would make short-term adjustments to avoid clashes between its works and Western Power’s construction.
The briefing also covered four later projects, numbered 34A, 35, 1190 and 340. Western Power is expected to provide indicative construction start times for those projects in 2031-32. The projects do not yet have commencement dates and are not planned in the current AA6 investment period.
The City is expected to gain visibility of projects proposed for the AA7 investment period through Western Power’s engagement and draft proposal process. Formal publication of proposed projects is expected in February 2031, with regulatory confirmation of funding expected in March 2032.
Reference minutes
City of Vincent Council Briefing held on 13 October 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- The City of Vincent noted Western Power’s revised delivery timeline for underground-power projects 347 North Perth-Mt Lawley and 406 Leederville.
- The chief executive officer must provide a further update after the Economic Regulation Authority’s final decision expected at the end of March 2028.
- The City said its street-tree planting rate would continue, although tree locations might change to accommodate power poles.
- The City said established street trees would require ongoing pruning while powerlines remained above ground.
- Indicative construction start times for projects 34A, 35, 1190 and 340 are expected from Western Power in 2031-32.
Why it matters
- Residents and businesses in North Perth, Mount Lawley and Leederville face continued uncertainty over when underground-power works will be delivered, while the City continues street works and tree planting around the existing power network.