The lion’s share of the costs of undergrounding power lines along arguably the South East region’s most expensive street are to be met by a State Government agency.

The Esplanade at Robe’s Long Beach has a number of million-dollar homes with the owners including prominent business identities and leading farming families.

There were multiple seven-figure house sales along The Esplanade during the 2021 calendar year.

The Robe District Council has secured funding to meet two-thirds of the estimated $475,000 cost of removing the Stobie poles and overhead lines.

In a report to council, chief executive James Holyman said funding for stage one had been secured from the Power Line Environment Committee.

He said council had received formal approval from the Technical Regulator for construction in the first half of the 2022/23 financial year.

Mr Holyman said the PLEC would be funding two thirds of the project, with his council to pay SA Power Network the rest.

“As outlined in previous papers, it is intended to fund Robe District Council’s contribution by resident donations and a separate rate,” Mr Holyman said.

“SA Power Networks will undertake the alterations to its network and will be responsible for all other activities including project management, civil works, provision and installation of piping, pits and associated pre-installation equipment.

“Robe District Council will be responsible for notifying affected residents and traders of the works and public relations including queries or disputes with residents and traders.

“The council is also responsible for consultation and coordination with all other stakeholders including telecommunications carriers.

“As part of the consultation for the next four-year business plan, the introduction of the separate rate for the residents directly benefiting from the project will be added to the process.”