Gladstone project powers Queensland jobs growth

A landmark electricity supply project that will support economic growth across Central Queensland has been delivered 16 months ahead of schedule and 20 per cent under budget.

Energy Minister Mark McArdle said the $127.5 million Gladstone Substation Rebuild Project had created work for 815 Powerlink staff and contractors and was vital for the region’s future prosperity.

“With this project, we’re supercharging the region for future growth, creating jobs for Queensland families and delivering the better infrastructure and planning that we promised to deliver,” Mr McArdle said.

“While Gladstone Power Station is Queensland’s largest power generator, the substation which received the electricity from it was 40 years old and was reaching the end of its technical life.

“Powerlink’s reinvestment in this new electricity infrastructure secures the future power supply to some of the largest energy users in our state, including the Boyne Island Smelters and the Queensland Alumina Refinery.”

The four-year project involved a rebuild of the substation next to the Gladstone Power Station and a new substation on Black Harry Island and was originally expected to cost $156 million.

The State Government’s 30-year strategy for the electricity sector, PowerQ, recognises the importance of  reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining service quality for industry and consumers.

As part of the project, 22 new transmission towers and eight kilometres of new transmission lines were constructed to connect the new substation to the transmission network that powers Gladstone and the wider Central Queensland area.

Powerlink chief executive Merryn York said a strong focus on planning, design and management had ensured the project exceeded all its original targets.

The project was especially challenging because Powerlink needed to ensure the ongoing supply of power to large energy users during construction.

“By taking a collaborative planning approach with Gladstone Power Station, Gladstone Regional Council, local industry and the community, the Powerlink team developed strategies to reduce project impacts and finish this important project ahead of time and under budget,” Ms York said.

In addition to the economic benefits, the project included significant environmental initiatives, including the installation of 300 bird boxes, the planting of 3,500 native saplings and the rehabilitation of a wetland area.

[ENDS] 3 September 2014
 
Media Contact: Phil Hind 0437 334 183