STREETLIGHTS TO BURN MORE BRIGHTLY ACROSS TOWNSVILLE

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie has announced the completion of phase 1 of a major streetlight replacement and maintenance program in Townsville and Thuringowa.

Mr Beattie said it is the first part of a $350,000 program by Ergon Energy to improve streetlighting in the twin cities.

“A total of around 8,000 streetlight lamps have now been replaced,” he said.

“The work started in September and Ergon Energy crews have been busy since then replacing the old streetlight lamps with new ones.

“Another 8,000 lamps will be replaced in the second phase of the project which is expected to get underway in the New Year.”

Mr Beattie said the lamp replacement scheme was part of a major State-wide maintenance program aimed at refurbishing aged streetlights to ensure they continued to meet high Australian standards.

The work in Townsville was carried out by local contractors.

and for safety and access reasons, the streetlights were switched on to do the work.

“More than half of the streetlights in Townsville and Thuringowa have now been replaced and crews have also been working in Oonoonba, South Townsville, Railway Estate, Wulguru, Stuart, Alligator Creek and Cungulla,” said Mr Beattie.

“This is about making our communities safer places to live and work and I commend Ergon Energy for getting on the with job.”

December 7, 2006

Media Contact: Premier’s Office 3224 4500