Ergon Energy and Burnett Shire Council power Bargara streetscape upgrade

Bargara’s beautiful beachside streetscape has been improved with the completion of a joint project between Ergon Energy and Burnett Shire Council to remove overhead powerlines.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the project involved removing overhead powerlines along a 2 kilometre section of Miller Street and replacing them with underground cables.

“This work took place under Ergon Energy’s Community Powerline Project funding scheme,” Mr Wilson said.

“The scheme helps councils relocate overhead powerlines in areas of high community use or areas of environmental, historic or scenic importance through dollar-for-dollar funding.

“The cost of the $800,000 Bargara project was jointly shared by Ergon Energy and Burnett Shire Council.

“The project boosts Bargara’s attractions for tourists and locals alike.

“Bargara is in the middle of a boom as more people come to appreciate the beachside lifestyle it offers.

“Burnett Shire Council deserves credit for redeveloping the esplanade and the beachside precinct.

“The project follows last years commissioning of an $11 million substation at Bargara, which saw a major upgrade of electricity supply to the CoralCoast,” he said.

Burnett Shire Mayor Cr Raymond Duffy said that completion of this latest joint venture between Ergon Energy and Burnett Shire Council was very pleasing.

“It not only compliments environmental and lifestyle issues, but also provides a major safety benefit for the community,” he said.

Cr Duffy said the Council was always willing to consider joint ventures that made the ratepayer’s dollar go twice as far. He applauded Ergon Energy for taking the initiative with the Community Powerline Project.

Cr Duffy also said the benefits of commissioning the $11 million substation last year would continue to bring enormous economic benefits to the coastal community.

Ergon Energy launched its Community Powerline Project scheme in August 2001 and subsidises local government projects to a total of $2 million annually each year for similar projects.

A total of around $12 million on CPP projects across Queensland since the program’s inception.

Media inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332