Far north powers ahead with big electricity investment

Far North Queensland will be a big winner from Ergon Energy’s increased capital works budget, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said today.

The Minister said $114 million had been set aside on projects for the region in the 2007/08 financial year - $22 million more than the previous year.

“This investment will meet the demands of high growth along the far north’s rapidly-growing coastal strip and it will meet the challenges of maintaining our network in some of the most remote parts of the state,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr Wilson said more than $80 million had been earmarked for vegetation management across regional Queensland.

“$10 million has also been set aside for cyclone-prone communities through Ergon Energy’s CARE program.

“When disaster strikes, Ergon Energy swings into action. Ergon Energy has the capacity to move hundreds of people around the state to help deal with whatever nature throws at the electricity network.

“This is timely given dire weather bureau predictions of more severe storms on the horizon.

“When the next one strikes, we should spare a thought for the Ergon Energy workers who will be out in that bad weather restoring damaged powerlines, instead of relaxing at home with their families.

“It’s not a 9 to 5 job. It can be hazardous and for that we owe them our thanks,” Mr Wilson said.

Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien said new substations and the laying of underground power lines in some cyclone-prone parts of the far north were among major works planned for the region.

“A number of remote communities on Cape York and in Torres Strait will also benefit from power station upgrades,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien said upgrades to power stations were planned for Aurukun, Badu Island and Bamaga.

CEO of Ergon Energy, Tony Bellas said Ergon Energy’s 2007/08 budget was a record $796 million in capital expenditure for regional Queensland.

“Our biggest immediate challenge is to meet the demand for connections and network extensions,” Mr Bellas said.

“We are moving our business to meet that challenge and the big winners of Ergon Energy’s budgeted works will be both domestic and commercial customers,” he said.

Mr Bellas said Ergon Energy’s works program would focus on a number of major infrastructure projects across all regions.

“It is a substantial investment in the regions we serve and will be focussed on areas of highest need and forecast growth,” Mr Bellas said.

Reinforcement of power supply and capacity into 13 major Queensland population centres forms the backbone of works scheduled for the new financial year.

Mr Bellas said demand for electricity on Ergon Energy’s network continued to increase at around five per cent a year.

“Continuing strong economic and population growth throughout the state and the increasing popularity of air conditioning are the main drivers of this demand,” he said.

“As such, demand management will continue to be an important part of our network strategy and we would encourage our customers to consider energy-saving advice offered by Ergon Energy for immediate benefits on their bill and less impact on the environment in the longer term,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Minister’s Office Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819

Ergon Energy Gaylene Whenmouth 4080 4891