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By Melissa Meehan
THE FIRST underground power infrastructure for the Wonthaggi desalination plant has been laid in Caldermeade.
Premier John Brumby and Water Minister Tim Holding visited the site, not far from the Caldermeade Farm, on Friday to inspect the works.
Mr Brumby said the project was running on time, and he was amazed by the progress already made.
Both Mr Brumby and Mr Holding had a go at lifting the cable into the trench at the site between Caldermeade Road and McDonalds Track.
Surprised by the weight of the powerlines, Mr Brumby said the laying of the cables was a big step.
“The power infrastructure being installed today is just one example of how the construction of the Victorian Desalination Project has boosted our economy and helped secure jobs,” he said.
The power cable will divert near Clyde North and travels along an existing electricity easement to the Cranbourne Terminal Statoin.
He said more than two thirds of the $650 million in contracts for work on the desalination plant, pipeline and power supply had been invested in Victoria.
“The power infrastructure being installed today is just one example of construction of the desalination project boosting our local economy,” Mr Brumby said.
“The power cable has been manufactured by Olex in Tottenham, the conduit is being supplied by Sunshine–based Vinidex and thermal backfill is coming from Boral quarries in Cranbourne and Grantville.”