Minister recognises outstanding efforts at Collinsville

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson has paid tribute to the efforts of Powerlink Queensland and Ergon Energy staff for their outstanding efforts in returning high voltage electricity supply to Collinsville after lightning damaged a transformer at the Collinsville substation last week.

Mr Wilson also thanked the Collinsville community for their patience and understanding during the substation emergency restoration work.

“My sincere thanks extend to the local Collinsville community, and in particular, Bowen Shire Council, the local business community including the Collinsville Workers Club, and the Collinsville Lions Club,” Mr Wilson said.

“I’m told that the Powerlink and Ergon Energy crews who completed this complex project drew encouragement from the support and understanding of the people of Collinsville.

Mr Wilson paid tribute to Powerlink and Ergon Energy workers for their response to the incident.

“They acted swiftly to restore temporary electricity via generators, and worked around-the-clock to install a replacement transformer at the Collinsville substation.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support from Energex and in particular their ‘super generator’ which helped with the temporary supply of electricity.

“The Collinsville response is testimony to how our energy corporations work together during emergency situations with the united goal of restoring power to the community as quickly and as safely as possible.

“Powerlink has advised that the installation of the replacement transformer was one of the most complex emergency restoration projects they have ever undertaken. It presented a number of technical and logistical challenges for everyone involved,” he said.

Electricity supply to Collinsville from the high voltage transmission network was interrupted following a series of very unusual circumstances in which both transformers at the substation were damaged in separate incidents just six weeks apart.

Powerlink has made progress with replacing the second damaged transformer and preparatory work has started at the substation.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819