Minister commends crews for job well done

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson has praised the efforts of ENERGEX crews who worked long and hard over the weekend to restore power to homes and businesses hit by severe storms.

Minister Wilson said ENERGEX crews from across the south east worked throughout the day and night to repair fallen powerlines and restore power as quickly as possible for residents in the path of the storms.

“They put in a mighty effort and such dedication does not deserve to go unnoticed,” he said.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded wind gusts up to 196 kilometres an hour at the height of the storm which cause widespread damage to the northern Sunshine Coast’s electricity network.

“By nightfall, ENERGEX had restored power to around 32,500 homes and businesses.

“ENERGEX crews worked through the night restoring power and repairing fallen powerlines,” Mr Wilson said.

The Minister said ENERGEX had brought in a number of mobile generators to keep key infrastructure such as water and sewerage works operational.

Helicopters were also called in to help identify fallen powerlines in more isolated areas in the path of the storm.

The Minister also thanked call centre staff who made phone calls to residents in the worst affected areas to let them know ENERGEX was aware of their plight and was working to restore power supplies.

“Unfortunately during the summer storm season it’s not a matter of if we lose power, but when and I’d like to thank residents who were affected by the weekend storms for their patience,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819