$350 million new electricity infrastructure for Mackay region

Construction of the first of $350 million worth of new high voltage electricity transmission projects for the Mackay region has been completed by Powerlink Queensland.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said Powerlink had recently completed construction of a new 27km high voltage transmission line between its substation at Nebo, and a new Queensland Rail (QR) substation site under construction at Mindi, west of Nebo.

“When the QR Mindi substation works are completed in mid 2007, the new transmission line will be commissioned to reinforce the electric rail network which transports coal in the Central Queensland region,” Mr Wilson said.

“The export of coal makes an enormous economic contribution to Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.

“QR transports more than 150 million tonnes of coal a year and the Bowen Basin coal mining region produces about 85 per cent of Queensland’s coal.

Mr Wilson said Powerlink was investing $350 million in the Mackay region over the next three years to meet the region’s growing demand for electricity and to help support the booming economy.

“Electricity demand in the Mackay area has increased by 13.5 percent over the past three years, mostly due to coal mining expansion and the subsequent population increase, and is forecast to continue increasing at nearly five percent a year into the future.

“The new Nebo to QR Mindi transmission line is just one piece of essential infrastructure that will increase the capacity of the high voltage electricity network in the area,” Mr Wilson said.

Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said other Powerlink projects in the region included the construction of new transmission lines between Nebo and Pioneer Valley (near Walkerston), Nebo and Strathmore (near Collinsville), and between Broadsound and Nebo.

Powerlink is also investigating a new transmission line from Nebo to a new QR substation at Bolingbroke, west of Sarina.

“Significant investment is also being made at Powerlink’s substations at Nebo, PioneerValley, Strathmore, and Broadsound,” Mr Jardine said.

“The Mackay region has recently seen a huge expansion in population growth, with recent figures showing Mackay is the second-fastest growing regional city in the State.

“The population increase, combined with the booming coal mining industry, is driving the need for more electricity infrastructure to support this growth.”

Mr Jardine said Powerlink had a strong commitment to engaging with affected communities and obtaining valued local input into projects.

“Powerlink will continue to keep the community informed about the status of the projects in the Mackay and Nebo 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,” Mr Jardine said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819