New power lines underpin development in the Bowen Basin

State transmission company, Powerlink Queensland, is building a new high voltage powerline to reinforce electricity supply to the inland Central Queensland region, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said today.

The Powerlink Queensland project involves building a new 132 kilovolt (132kV) transmission line between Powerlink’s existing Lilyvale and Blackwater substations.

“The new transmission line will help reinforce the high voltage electricity supply to the southern BowenBasin mining area and Queensland Rail’s electrified coal network system that transports coal in the area,” Mr Wilson said.

Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce welcomed construction of the new high voltage power line.

“The Bowen Basin produces about 85 per cent of Queensland’s coal, and this new transmission line is a vital piece of infrastructure that will help underpin the strong economic development in our region,” he said.

“The growth is being driven by mining industry developments in the southern BowenBasin, surrounding the towns of Biloela, Moura, Blackwater and Emerald,” he said.

Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said electricity demand in the area was forecast to increase at an average of four percent each year for the next few years.

Mr Jardine said Powerlink was strongly committed to engaging with the community and valued local input into projects.

“We will continue to keep the community informed about the project and we’ll be working closely with landowners to try and reduce any inconvenience as a result of the works,” Mr Jardine said.

The new Lilyvale to Blackwater transmission line project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2007/2008.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819

Powerlink Melissa Azzopardi 3860 2806