Independent Member for Alfred Cove Dr Janet Woollard presented petitions in the Legislative Assembly today, which called on the State Government to increase resources and funds to the State Underground Program.

"The petitions were signed by constituents living within the Alfred Cove Electorate who want to see underground power conversions in their suburbs," said Dr Woollard.

"The petitions were in addition to more than 400 personal postcards delivered earlier to Minister for Energy, Hon Peter Collier MLC, outlining the residents’ wishes for underground power conversion."

Dr Woollard said the petitions and personal postcards were part of the Going Underground Campaign initiated in March. The Campaign is aimed at informing the Minister Collier, about the demand for underground power within the Electorate.

"We need underground power so the risk of power failures caused by storms and fallen trees will be reduced; the amenity of suburbs will be improved; and community’s safety will be enhanced by reducing hazards caused by fallen power lines," said Dr Woollard.

"Constituents who are concerned about power substations in residential areas were recently informed that putting power lines underground will help eliminate electromagnetic field emissions from power lines.

"During an education session, it was reported that while the jury is still out on the effects of EMF, some research have shown that long term exposure to EMF could be harmful.

Dr Woollard added that the progress of the State Underground Power Program is too slow with only 3,000 to 4,000 homes being converted to underground power each year.

"The homes in Ardross, Alfred Cove, Attadale North, Bicton, Booragoon, Melville and Palmyra are among the 340,000 homes in the Metropolitan area that have yet to be converted.

"At this rate, it will be 100 years before power lines are put underground in established suburbs.

"I encourage residents in the Electorate to contact my office on 9316 1377 for a copy of the petition or for copies of the postcards to Minister Collier as the Minister needs to be informed of the true demand for underground power in the Electorate," said Dr Woollard.