Australian Industry Group invites you to participate in a critical industry forum examining the national infrastructure gap created by the closure of the Lane Cove Test Station (LCTS) in 2021.
For more than 50 years, LCTS, also known as PLUS ES, played a vital role in supporting Australia's electrical manufacturing sector, energy infrastructure and product compliance ecosystem. Its closure, despite strong opposition from industry and professional bodies led by Australian Industry Group and Engineers Australia, has left Australia without a domestic high‑power electrical testing facility. See background brief here.
Why this matters now
As Australia accelerates its energy transition, manufacturers and asset owners face:
This forum will explore the scale of the testing capability gap, the risks of inaction and identify if there is support to rebuild a modern, fit for purpose national facility for the Australian electrical industry into the future.
Expert speakers include:
Martin Mulcahy
Former Manager, Lane Cove Test Station
Inside the LCTS – what would a replacement look like?
Dr Kerry Williams
Director & Principal Engineer, K‑Bik Power
The need for high‑current test facilities from an equipment reliability perspective
Lucy Finlay
Standardisation & Regulation Manager (Pacific Zone), Schneider Electric
The importance of Australian high‑power test facilities to the energy transition
Jeff Davis
Channel Manager – Regulatory & Standardisation, NHP
Increased testing requirements for switching equipment under upcoming standards
Panel discussion & audience Q&A
The forum will conclude with an interactive panel discussion and Q&A, enabling participants to share perspectives, raise concerns and explore collaborative solutions.
Key outcome
A key outcome of this event will be to determine industry support for establishing an industry‑led steering committee to investigate viable options for replacing Australia's high‑power electrical testing capability.
