ABERMAIN SUBSTATION EXTENSION TO POWER SOUTH WEST BRISBANE

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson today announced that Powerlink Queensland had started construction to extend the existing Abermain Substation.

Minister Wilson said the extension would help reinforce high voltage power supply to the growing South West Brisbane and Ipswich area.

“South East Queensland is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in Australia, and electricity demand is forecast to increase significantly over the next five years,” said Mr Wilson.

“In particular, electricity use in the South West Brisbane and Ipswich areas is forecast to grow by eight per cent each year for the next three years.

“This is due to the continued population and industrial growth experienced in the area,” he said.

Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt said the substation extension would help reinforce high voltage power supply from Gatton in the west, to Goodna in the east and from Abermain in the north to Ripley and Swanbank in the south.

“Extending the Abermain Substation is a significant investment in the future of the South West Brisbane and Ipswich area,” said Mr Wendt.

“This new energy infrastructure is essential to help meet and sustain the economic growth for the region and to support important community services and facilities,” he said.

Powerlink’s Chief Operating Officer, Simon Bartlett said the extension of the Abermain Substation included the construction of a new 275/110kV substation within the existing 110/33kV substation site.

“The first stage of construction will be earthworks to prepare the site for foundations. This will be followed by civil and electrical construction works to establish the foundations, ancillary buildings, steel structures and new electrical equipment,” Mr Bartlett said.

“A comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was completed for this project in 2006 examining the environmental, community and economic aspects of the project and identifying ways to manage any impacts.

“Construction of the new substation is expected to be completed by late 2008.”

Mr Bartlett thanked the local community for their cooperation and understanding during construction works at the Abermain Substation.

Further information about the project can be obtained from Powerlink’s website www.powerlink.com.au or by telephoning Freecall 1800 635 369.

Media contacts: Ministers Office Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332

Powerlink Melissa Azzopardi 0418 181 538