Work to start on new substation at Kearneys Springs

Work will start next month on a $22 million substation 'Kearneys Springs' in southern Toowomba.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said fencing is being installed around the site in preparation for work to start next month.

State Government owned energy provider, Ergon Energy, has appointed transmission company Areva to build the new substation on Kearneys Street, south of Nelson Street.

“Ergon Energy is finalising the detailed design of the new substation.

“The new substation is a vital piece of infrastructure that will ensure the power supply keeps pace with demand in the city.

“The demand for electricity in southern Toowoomba has been growing at around 10% a year.

“The new substation will boost the local power supply and reduce the load on existing substations,” he said.

Ergon Energy has worked closely with Toowoomba City Council and local community representatives on the choice of the location and the design of the new substation.

The Minister said extensive landscape work would be carried out around the site and that the façade of the control building was designed to blend in with the local environment.

“Ergon Energy has included a three-metre wide vegetation buffer of trees that will grow up to four metres high,” Mr Wilson said.

“The substation will supply power to around 8,000 customers,” he said.

Ergon Energy expects the project to be completed by the end of 2007.

Media Inquiries:      Ellen McIntyre  3225 1819