Substation upgrade to boost flood resilience

Powerlink’s Rocklea Substation is undergoing a $21 million upgrade to boost its flood resilience.

Minister for Energy and Member for Yeerongpilly Mark Bailey said the major upgrade was needed after Rocklea Substation experienced major inundation in the 2011 floods.

“Contingency plans and mitigation activities have occurred in recent years, and thankfully operations weren’t impeded by the recent ex-TC Debbie flooding,” Minister Bailey said.

“These major works now underway on site will make a significant improvement to the resilience of the substation to major flooding in this area.

“A new control and telecommunications building will be installed - three metres higher than the existing structure and is expected to be fully operational by late 2018.

“The works are a positive step in minimising future flood impacts on one of Powerlink’s more flood-prone substations.”

Member for Sunnybank Peter Russo said 2011 floods had a devastating effect on the Rocklea area.

“During the 2011 floods, Powerlink operations staff had to be taken into this substation by boat with the help of the local SES,” he said.

“These works will contribute to ensuring reliable power supply to Brisbane’s south-western suburbs in times of severe flooding.

“Powerlink plays a significant role in providing power to four million Queenslanders and powering the state’s economy. These works are a further signal of the commitment to safely and efficiently operating the transmission network.” 

Powerlink Chief Executive Merryn York said the level of the new control and telecommunications building would exceed Brisbane City Council’s Q200 flood levels.

“Brisbane City Council’s Q200 flood levels are set at 10 metres, but to further mitigate flood risk to Rocklea Substation, Powerlink will be building to 10.5 metres,” Ms York said. 

“This substation powers industrial, business and residential areas including Sumner, Archerfield and parts of Brisbane’s CBD, so it is critical these areas have access to a reliable electricity supply.

“As this is one of Powerlink’s more flood-prone sites, these works are vital to mitigating future potential impacts from natural disasters.”

All works have also been planned to avoid disruptions to supply.