POWER PROJECT

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 47, Issue 2669, 13 September 1937, Page 5

POWER PROJECT

SCHEME COSTING £8,750,000

ELECTRICITY IN VICTORIA.

An announcement that the Government of ■ Victoria would spend £8,750,000 within the next 14 years on developing the Kiewa Valley hydroelectric project, and on extensions to the Newport “B” power station, was made by the Premier of Victoria, Mr Dunstan, recently. The object of the project, Mr Dunstan said, was to meet the rapidly increasing demand for electric energy, a demand which, would soon exceed the supply. The project had the concurrence of the State Electricity Commission and of’ the two Swedish engineers who had investigated the proposal last year. It marked the most important development of the State electricity system since its inception.

“The object of this project,” said Mr Dunstan, “is to cope with the expected demands on the State power system after 1940. This work is absolutely essential, as it is obvious that the increasing demand for electricity will soon reach the stage when it will be impossible, with existing plant, to meet requirements. In view of these considerations, the Government took the view that it was its duty to ensure that plant capacity should at all times be available in advance of public requirements, so that any risk of failure •to supply light and power to consumers should not arise.

. “Admittedly a large sum of money is involved in the establishment of the Kiewa system, but the position calls for a courageous policy. It will create reproductive assets of tremendous value to the State and give an additional impetus to all branches of industry.

“The Government intends to introduce a Bill at an early date with a view to securing parliamentary approval for this work and to give the Electricity Commission the additional borrowing powers required to finance the project.” The Kiewa River is about 200 miles north-east of Melbourne.