$70 million power injection for Gold Coast

High voltage electricity supply to the Gold Coast has been boosted with the completion of Powerlink Queensland’s new $70 million Greenbank to Maudsland transmission line project.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the project was essential for the sustained development of the rapidly growing Gold coast area.

“The upgrade included construction of 39 kilometres of transmission line and establishment of a new substation at Greenbank,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Gold Coast has been identified in the South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program as one of the fastest growing areas in the State.

The unprecedented growth in population and commercial development is driving electricity demand,” he said.

Member for Gaven Phil Gray said electricity usage in Queensland had grown strongly in the past 10 years and was expected to continue to grow.

“The new Greenbank to Maudsland transmission line will strengthen the infrastructure into the Gold Coast area,” Mr Gray said.

“The project will help ensure high reliability for many years into the future,” he said.

Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said the completion of the Greenbank to Maudsland transmission line and new Greenbank Substation formed the second stage of a project by Powerlink to reinforce the high voltage electricity network in the Gold Coast area.

The first stage involved the completion of a new $23.5 million transmission line between Maudsland and Molendinar.

“The work that Powerlink has undertaken to reinforce the transmission network in the Gold Coast area has ensured the network is developed in a timely manner to continue to meet extra demand growth into the future,” he said.

Mr Jardine thanked the local community for their patience during construction.

“Powerlink worked closely with local residents throughout the project and used a number of innovative methods to help minimise impact on the community.

Powerlink use helicopters during the final stages of construction to string wires over the vegetation to limit ground disturbance and tree clearing,” he said.

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

Powerlink Melissa Azzopardi (07) 3860 2806

or 0418 181538