ENERGEX expands as network grows

Massive expansions underway on the south east Queensland electricity network have been the catalyst for a new multi million dollar ENERGEX depot on Brisbane’s northside.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson and Member for Nudgee Neil Roberts today officially opened the new depot, which is strategically positioned and equipped to allow staff to carry out all stages of an electricity network’s lifecycle.

More than 150 electrical specialists who engineer, construct and maintain south east Queensland’s high-voltage power network will operate from the Northgate depot.

“The new Crockford Street depot will also be at the front line to respond to any emergencies,” Mr Wilson said.

“The site also offers quick access to the Gateway Motorway when crews are required north or south of the city,” he said.

Mr Roberts said the Northgate site was the latest in a series of recently completed depots in the ENERGEX network.

“It’s a crucial depot for the ENERGEX network and even more crucial for the homes and businesses on the northside that rely on ENERGEX in emergencies,” he said.

Depots at Kelvin Grove and Landsborough opened in the last 18-months while sites at Underwood and Staplyton have been purchased for future ENERGEX locations.

In the past two years ENERGEX has been spending more than $2 million every day expanding and upgrading the network.

During the same period ENERGEX has significantly increased the number of tradespeople by 50% recruiting 568 operational staff.

ENERGEX supplies electricity to around 2.7 million people in south east Queensland. The company’s distribution area of 25,000 square kilometres includes more than 50,000km of underground and overhead electricity lines and cables, over half a million power poles, some 43,000 transformers and more than 290,000 street lights.

Mr Wilson and Mr Roberts also presented Certificates of Special Commendation and Commemorative Pins to energy sector workers.

The special presentation was in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the Cyclone Larry relief response in far north Queensland last year.

Workers from Ergon Energy, ENERGEX and Powerlink received the honours.

“We have just marked the first anniversary of Cyclone Larry’s devastating strike on the far north Queensland coast and hinterland.

“For those who lived through it – and for the rest of the state who watched the disaster unfold – the damage to people’s homes and businesses was a grim reminder of nature’s fury.

“But it was the magnificent contribution from the thousands involved in the Cyclone Larry relief effort that will live longest in people’s memories.

“There can be no disputing that the energy sector was at the forefront of the cyclone response, as an intensive repair effort targeted the far north’s distribution and transmission network,” Mr Wilson said.

More than 600 Ergon Energy, Energex and Powerlink crew members and contractors were in the field, many working 12-hour shifts, in a 100,000 manhour response.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819

ENERGEX – Office Hours (07) 3407 4420 or After Hours (07) 3407 5191