$1.5 MILLION POWER BOOST FOR ANNANDALE

A major $1.5 million project to upgrade Ergon Energy’s electrical infrastructure in parts of the Townsville suburb of Annandale will significantly boost capacity and improve the reliability and quality of power supply to local homes.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said work had begun on an upgrade of the original underground power network.

The Minister said the underground network was installed in Annandale nearly 30 years ago.

“The underground network is nearing capacity and the demand for power continues to rise with the retrofitting of air conditioners to homes and an increase in the use of domestic appliances,” Mr Wilson said.

“To continue to meet future demand, Ergon Energy will progressively install extra ground-based transformers, switching equipment and new underground low and high voltage powerlines in and around selected Annandale streets,” Mr Wilson said.

Member for Mundingburra, Lindy Nelson-Carr said the work, part of the first big upgrade in 30 years, would help meet the demand for power in the future.

Ms Nelson-Carr said work would be carried out along Yolanda Drive, Marabou Drive, Cobb Court, Kylie Court, Kendall Street, Cargillea Street, the laneway between Marabou and Jacaranda Crescent, Jacaranda Crescent and Pilea Court.

“The upgrade is expected take around six months. It’s planned to have the work finished as soon as possible to progressively meet the summer demand for power,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

The project will require trenching for the installation of conduits and new underground powerlines and may result in temporary traffic disruption.

Three new ground-based transformers will be located along Marabou Drive where landscaping work will be carried out.

“There may be some necessary interruptions to local power supply. Customers will be notified in writing of the date and the estimated start and finish times of planned interruptions to power supply to allow them to plan around the work.

“And I thank those residents in advance for their patience during this work,” Ms Carr said.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the upgrade was one of many projects being undertaken across North Queensland this financial year as part of Ergon Energy’s $83 million capital works program.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819