New transmission line to help power economic growth

A new $19 million high voltage electricity transmission line will reinforce electricity supply to the growing Townsville area.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said Powerlink Queensland is building a new transmission line between its Ross and Townsville South substations.

“Electricity demand in the Townsville area is expected to grow by around four percent a year for the next few years,” Mr Wilson said.

“Routine planning has identified that a new transmission line will be required between Powerlink’s Ross and Townsville South substations to help meet this growing demand,” he said.

Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said a 17km transmission line would be built on an easement from Riverway Drive, Kelso, across the Mt Stuart Army Training Area to Southwood Road, Stuart.

“Importantly, the easement has been selected following far-reaching consultation with landowners and the local community,” Mr Wallace said.

“Powerlink has undertaken an extensive Environmental Impact Assessment.

“The easement is wide enough to cater for an additional transmission line that may be required to meet long-term increases in electricity demand,” he said.

Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said construction of the new Ross to Townsville South transmission line would start in mid November, with the establishment of temporary construction access tracks.

“Foundations for the new transmission line are expected to be completed in the first half of 2007, followed by the installation of towers, with the line expected to be commissioned in late 2007.”

Mr Jardine said Powerlink had a strong commitment to continue engaging with local communities in areas where it was working.

“Powerlink will continue to keep the community informed about the status of the projects in the Townsville and Thuringowa areas and we’ll be working closely with residents and the local community to try and reduce any inconvenience as a result of the works,” he said.

The Environmental Impact Assessment for the Ross to Townsville South project was finalised earlier this year and can be viewed at the Townsville City Council Library or Powerlink’s website www.powerlink.com.au.

Powerlink has contributed $500,000 to a million-dollar Community Environment Fund initiative in the Townsville and Thuringowa region, which aims to enhance environmental properties and minimise the visual impact of the electricity infrastructure owned, operated and maintained by Powerlink.

Media Inquiries: Ministerial Office Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332

Powerlink Melissa Azzopardi (07) 3860 2806

or 0418 181538