ERGON ENERGY CREWS READY FOR CYCLONE SEASON

Ergon Energy would be better equipped to deal with the ravages of tropical cyclones with a significant funding boost to its CARE (Cyclone Area Reliability Enhancement) program, which will hit the $10 million dollar mark next year.

Premier Peter Beattie and Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson made the announcement at the 2006 Cyclone Summit Living with cyclones – Queensland prepared in Cairns.

Mr Beattie said funding for the CARE program would rise from $6 million a year to $10 million next year.

“This means more money to strengthen Ergon Energy’s electricity network so that it can better withstand the onslaught of severe storms and tropical cyclones,” Mr Beattie said.

“The extra funds will flow directly into the electricity network to make it even stronger and help it stand up to whatever nature throws its way.

The Premier said the success of the CARE program came to the fore after Cyclone Larry.

“Power supplies to key infrastructure were able to be restored as soon as the transmission supply came back on line.

“CARE works in the Cairns area also helped limit the extent of damage to the low voltage network,” he said.

Mr Beattie said the extra funding would enable connection points to be installed in key infrastructure where there are underground power lines so that stand-alone generators could be connected if needed.

“Ergon Energy will also use these funds to fast track a number of projects,” he said.

“Around $30 million has been spent so far on underground work and improvements to the overhead high voltage network that supplies power to vital community services such as hospitals and emergency service facilities.

“This work has been carried out in a number of communities including Port Douglas, Cairns, Tully, Innisfail, Townsville, Ayr, Home Hill, Bowen, Proserpine, Mackay and Sarina,” Mr Beattie said.

Ergon Energy expects to announce the new CARE projects by mid next year.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the skills and experience that Ergon Energy crews gained from Cyclone Larry have been invaluable.

“The organisation now has a better idea of how to mobilise its resources to restore electricity as quickly as possible to affected areas, without jeopardising the safety of crews.

“There are now more than 600 people who can move around the state, depending on the  scale of the situation.

“Even now, Ergon Energy staff are on roster, ready to tackle any issue the wild weather throws at the electricity network.

“I ask people to spare a thought this holiday season for Ergon Energy workers who, more often than not, will be out in bad weather restoring storm damage to power lines, instead of relaxing at home with their families.

“It’s not nine to five and can be hazardous, and for that we owe them our thanks,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Premier’s Office 3224 4500

Minister’s Office 3225 1819

7 December 2006