Disaster response enhanced in Mackay and Central Queensland

Ergon Energy’s disaster response capability will be enhanced with the roll-out of 31 additional radio base stations, with a number stretching across the Mackay and Central Queensland regions.

Around $8.5 million will be required to develop 10 radio communication sites in 2016-17 with funding allocated in the state budget as part of Ergon Energy’s $787 million capital works program, delivering safe and secure electricity supply and investments in regional Queensland.

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said the roll-out of additional sites would not only improve Ergon’s disaster response, but also have important benefits for day-to-day communication involving crews working in the field.

“Ergon currently operates 79 Digital Radio base station sites and, once the remaining component of this project is complete in 2018, the total number will increase to 110 sites,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Ergon has already replaced the obsolete radio system in the inner South West, the higher risk northern cyclone areas and selected sites in Central Queensland and Wide Bay with minimal infrastructure.

“This funding ensures the Mackay and broader Central Queensland regions are better equipped for disasters and staff communication.”

The sites to be developed in the next year include:

• Riordanvale, for Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Shute Harbour and Proserpine.
• Colston, for Sarina South and Koumala.
• Carborough Range, for Moranbah, Broadlea, Nebo and Iffley.
• Mt Lowe, for Clermont, Tieri, Lilyvale and Capella.
• Specimen Hill, for Calliope to Biloela.
• Mt Ox, for Theodore.
• Mt Misery, for Homestead and Cape River.
• Banana Range, to provide coverage for Biloela and the Dawson Valley.
• Agnes Water, for Agnes Water, the Town of 1770 and Fingerboard.
• Spring Creek, for Queen Mary Falls, Acacia Plateau, White Swamp and Legume.

Mrs O’Rourke said Ergon relied heavily on its wireless communications to the field work force, especially in responding to natural disasters, and also for remote communications to field assets.

“Communications between the field crews and operational control centres are required for when power needs to be turned off during or after a storm or natural disaster,” she said.

“This digital radio solution has further safety benefits for Ergon crews, including GPS location, vehicle rollover detection and mobility of communications away from the vehicles.

“Depot and field crews will also use the digital radios locally to efficiently organise works among crews in remote and regional areas.”

Most of the work for the projects will be carried out by Ergon, with some external employment opportunities available for civil works in each location.

From July 1, Ergon and Energex will be merged to become Australia’s biggest power company – a $24 billion entity headquartered in Townsville called Energy Queensland.

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170