North Stradbroke plugged into temporary power supply

North Stradbroke Island was plugged into a temporary power supply early this morning, while a longer term solution to the fire-damaged power supply is delivered.

Power was cut to the North Stradbroke Island when major bushfire damaged major high voltage power lines supplying electricity to the Island on Thursday.

Minister for Energy Mark McArdle said 5,800 customers were without power for North Stradbroke and the nearby Islands following the fire.

“More than 3,000 homes and businesses on Lamb, Macleay, Russell and Karragarra Islands had their power restored yesterday at 2pm while the balance of homes and businesses on North Stradbroke were restored at 12:30am this morning,” he said.

“The arrival of multiple generators overnight helped to connect a temporary electricity supply to the 2,200 homes and business on the island.

“The reliability of this supply however is still tenuous and remains dependent on the integrity of the backup feeder systems which runs the length of the island, including areas near where the bushfire is still burning.

“The generators will remain on site to support the local network over the coming days.

“The fire-damaged power lines will need to be rebuilt and this will not be an easy fix with access to the damaged pole tricky and the fire still burning.

“The southern Moreton Bay Islands’ electricity supply however remains on backup from the mainland with Energex asking customers to limit their electricity demand until Sunday afternoon.”
 
Mr McArdle said he recognised the quick action taken by Energex and its crews.

“I’d like to thank those who have been working tirelessly to restore power to homes and businesses on the Island,” he said.

If members of the public see any power lines brought down or damaged, they are urged to keep themselves and others well away and phone Energex’s priority emergency number 13 19 62 or for power restoration updates, visit www.energex.com.au.

[ENDS] 3 January 2014

Media Contact: Natalie Wynne 0437 334 183