Thieves warned of near-fatal mistake
THIEVES who damaged a northern suburbs electricity substation could have been killed, power supply company TasNetworks says.
TasNetworks southern operations regional manager David Cornelius said the company discovered the damage to a substation at the old Gunns sawmill site at Austins Ferry on Saturday.
The fence around the substation was torn down, the transformers were vandalised and some parts were removed, Mr Cornelius said.
The substation has not been used since November but it was still live.
“The unlawful damage is a timely reminder that all TasNetworks infrastructure is to be treated as live and in-service even if it looks like it is not being used,” Mr Cornelius said.
“This is high voltage we’re dealing with ... there’s no second chance if that gets hold of you.”
Mr Cornelius said vandals were endangering their own lives, those of TasNetworks’ crews who have to repair damage and members of the community.
“Any interference with our equipment presents a serious safety risk to those people acting unlawfully and to the public,” he said.
“It is important that people stay well away from all components of the electricity network and understand the dangers.”
The substation is in an isolated area and Mr Cornelius said a caretaker from the old sawmill site told TasNetworks about the damage.
It is thought the damage was done some time last month.
Mr Cornelius said the substation would no longer be used, and TasNetworks was working with Tasmania Police, Crime Stoppers and other authorities to deter vandalism.
“TasNetworks is also trialling new technologies to mitigate the occurrence of vandalism,” he said.
Mr Cornelius urged anyone who sees someone trespassing, vandalising or acting suspiciously near TasNetworks infrastructure to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or TasNetworks on 13 2004.
This is high voltage we’re dealing with ... there is no second chance