Powerlink project boosts Surat Basin economy

The construction of new high voltage transmission lines across the North West Surat Basin has delivered a significant boost to the region's economy.

Energy Minister Mark Bailey said Powerlink Queensland's transmission line project had injected about $14 million into the local economy with the government-owned corporation using local businesses, suppliers and materials to help deliver the major infrastructure project.

Mr Bailey, in Toowoomba for a Surat Basin Enterprise event, said all of the construction contractors for the project had been encouraged to employ local people and use local services wherever possible.

Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said Powerlink understood the importance of supporting local businesses, ensuring the community directly felt the benefits.

“Several local firms have gained work erecting fences and gateways, and installing grids, essential for constructing new transmission lines," she said.

Maranoa Regional Council Mayor Robert Loughnan said it was pleasing to see companies like Powerlink use local business and services, and encouraging their contractors to do the same.

“There are other companies out there that need to realise there’s a lot of talent in regional communities and make an effort to find it,” Cr Loughnan said.

Powerlink is constructing about 200 kilometres of high voltage electrical transmission line and seven substations in support of Queensland’s multi-billion-dollar gas export industry in an area bounded by Wandoan, Roma, Injune and Taroom.

Plumbers, electricians benefit, along with businesses linked to third-party weed certification services, heavy machinery hire, transport, food and accommodation.

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