New $150 million transmission lines underpin economic growth

Powerlink Queensland has started building two new high voltage electricity transmission lines in the Mackay region in a project worth around $150 million, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The Minister said the new transmission lines would run between Powerlink’s Nebo and Pioneer Valley substations and between the Nebo and Broadsound substations.

“They’ll underpin economic growth in Mackay and the Bowen Basin,” Mr Wilson said.

“The two projects are vital to meet the long term electricity demands being driven by a strong growth in population and industry.

Work on the new 132 kilovolt transmission line from Nebo to Pioneer Valley began in December and construction of the new 275 kilovolt transmission line from Broadsound to Nebo started this month.

The Nebo Pioneer Valley transmission line, which will be built alongside an existing 132kV line, will help ensure Powerlink’s transmission network can continue to maintain a secure electricity supply into Mackay.

“The Mackay region is currently the second-fastest growing regional city in Queensland.

Member for Mackay, Tim Mulherin said the growth was driving electricity demand in the area, which was forecast to increase around five per cent each year into the future.

“The new Broadsound to Nebo transmission line is a welcome first step in a three-stage program to help boost electricity supply to the North Queensland region,” Mr Mulherin said.

“The majority of electricity demand in North Queensland is associated with industrial, commercial and residential loads in the coastal centres between Mackay and Cairns, and significant mining loads in the Bowen Basin.

“The new transmission line will reinforce electricity supply to these areas,” Mr Mulherin said.

Powerlink Chief Executive, Gordon Jardine said the new projects represented a significant investment and were part of a broader $350 million investment being made in electricity infrastructure in the BowenBasin.

Mr Jardine said Powerlink was strongly committed to engaging with local communities and drawing on local input for local projects.

“We will continue to keep the community informed about the status of our projects in the area and we’ll be working closely with landowners in a bid to reduce any inconvenience as a result of the work,” Mr Jardine said.

Both transmission line projects are expected to be completed for the summer of 2007/2008.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819

Powerlink Queensland: Melissa Azzopardi 3860 2806