Biloela CBD power project gets green light

Biloela’s commercial precinct will undergo a major transformation following the recent approval of a $254,000 underground power supply project by Ergon Energy.

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said the project would be jointly funded on a dollar for dollar basis by Ergon Energy and the Banana Shire Council.

“The project will involve laying underground powerlines along Gladstone Road between the old rail crossing to Kariboe Lane, a distance of around 240 metres,” Mr Wilson said.

“Ergon Energy sets aside $2 million each year for the Community Powerline Project.

“The Community Powerline Project scheme is designed to reduce the impact of powerlines on streetscapes and the environment.

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

“Since its introduction, around $12 million has been provided to community projects in regional Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.

Banana Shire Mayor Glenn Churchill said Council was pleased to work in partnership with Ergon Energy on a project that would bring significant benefit to residents and visitors in Biloela and add immense value to the town’s commercial activity.

“This project is an integral part of our plans to form a complete retail shopping precinct and comes at an ideal time to work in with Main Roads which is installing traffic lights at the intersection of Kariboe Street and Gladstone Road.

“By relocating the existing electricity infrastructure underground it will improve the amenity of the area and provide an aesthetically pleasing retail centre.

“I commend and congratulate Ergon Energy on its community minded spirit. The Banana Shire Council looks forward to working with Ergon Energy to deliver the benefits of the program to our local communities” he said.

Ergon Energy’s state-wide $700 million capital expenditure program for this financial year remains at record levels and includes an investment of $189 million for system improvements and new infrastructure in the Central Region.

The Ergon Energy network comprises more than 150,000 kilometres of electricity line, about 1 million power poles and 70,000 substations and extends from Birdsville in south west Queensland to Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, over more than 1 million square kilometres or six times the size of Victoria.

Media inquiries: Ministerial Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332

Council Glenn Churchill 0407 157 073