Published Today at 01:30 PM
Treasurer, Minister for Energy and Minister for Home Ownership
The Honourable David Janetzki
Major flood resilience upgrades for Ingham substation complete
- First stage of Ingham substation upgrade to deliver energy security for community completed.
- Works delivered to raise the height of equipment for flood resilience completed ahead of wet season.
- $1.61 million investment by Albanese and Crisafulli Governments raises the height of critical equipment above 2025 flood levels.
Crucial works to deliver flood resilience at the Ingham substation in North Queensland have been completed following some of the worst deluges to hit the area in almost 60 years, earlier this year.
The jointly funded first stage of the Ingham substation upgrade has raised the height of critical equipment above 2025 flood levels.
It reduces the need to de-energise the substation during major flooding, reducing the time needed for power outages for homes and businesses.
The $1.61 million project was funded through efficiencies realised under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Ingham suffered its worst flooding since 1967 when severe weather hit early this year and the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have acted to reduce impacts for the Ingham community.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said it was important to ensure critical infrastructure is resilient to future flooding events.
“This jointly funded project will help ensure the impacts we saw during the North Queensland floods earlier this year are minimised should a similar event occur in the future,” Minister McBain said.
“This work will have a direct positive impact for Ingham by ensuring there is still access to electricity during future flood events when the community needs it most.”
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia Nita Green said that ensuring northern communities were more resilient towards natural disasters was critical.
“This project will ensure that in the case of future events the community of Ingham is better prepared and more resilient,” Assistant Minister Green said.
“It will provide a sense of security to the people and businesses in Ingham that were hit so hard almost a year ago.”
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the Crisafulli Government was delivering better flood resilience and electricity supply for the people of Ingham.
“By building back better we’re helping future proof the substation for major flooding events in the future,” Mr Janetzki said.
“Ergon crews did an exceptional job supporting Ingham last summer and their tireless efforts ensured the substation was re-energised within just 28 hours of crews gaining access.
“Never has a substation been re-energised so quickly in such challenging conditions and I thank them for their ongoing commitment to the region as they work to complete this flood mitigation project before year’s end.”
Member-elect for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa emphasised the transformative impact of this investment on the resilience of Hinchinbrook Shire’s critical infrastructure.
“This is about safeguarding the future of Ingham and its people, and I thank the Government for delivering this for this community,” Mr Chiesa said.
“We can’t stop natural disasters, but we can minimise the impacts and that's what this does.
“By raising key equipment above projected flood levels, this will significantly reduce the risk of damage for families, businesses and emergency services."
Hinchinbrook Shire Council Mayor Ramon Jayo said his community strongly welcomed the joint investment from the federal and state governments.
"We're all very thankful and relieved this work has been undertaken," Mayor Jayo said.
"The community has been concerned this may happen again with a similar occurrence, so we acknowledge these crucial upgrades can alleviate those concerns."
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Minister McBain: Claire Johnston, 0473 406 905
Treasurer Janetzki: Renee Smith, 0419 404 180