Ergon Energy takes CARE of Cannonvale

Ergon Energy is better equipped to deal with the ravages of tropical cyclones with a significant funding boost to its CARE (Cyclone Area Reliability Enhancement) program, which hits the $10 million mark this year.

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today that funds from the CARE program had already been put to good use in the Whitsundays.

“Using funding from the CARE program, work starts today on the second stage of a project that will help reduce the impact of cyclones on the power supply to Cannonvale,” Mr Wilson said.

“Ergon Energy will install an underground cable from the Cannonvale substation to the Home Hardware complex.

Significant funds in the CARE program are being used to lay underground high voltage power lines in areas where severe storms and cyclones can cause damage to overhead power lines.

“All up, stages one and two of the Cannonvale project represent a $2.6 million investment in providing a secure and reliable power supply to the people who live and work there,” he said.

Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt said the CARE program meant more money to strengthen Ergon Energy’s electricity network.

“Ergon can now better withstand the onslaught of severe storms and tropical cyclones.

“The extra funds will flow directly into the electricity network to make it even stronger and help it stand up to whatever nature throws its way,” Ms Jarratt said.

The Minister said the CARE program represented a major commitment to North Queensland with $120 million being spent on the electricity network over 20 years.

“Since it began in 2001, nearly $10.5 million dollars has been spent bolstering the high voltage supply network to key community services in Mackay, Proserpine, Sarina and the Whitsundays,” Mr Wilson said.

Ms Jarratt said some of the recipients of CARE funding were the Mackay Base Hospital and Water Treatment Works, the Pioneer Valley Hospital and Mount Pleasant Shopping Centre, Beaconsfield, Mackay Mater Hospital, Mackay Airport, Mackay Civic Centre – Disaster Control Centre and the Proserpine CBD, Canelands Shopping Centre Mackay and key community facilities that service Cannonvale and Airlie Beach.

Ms Jarratt said initial work on the Cannonvale project included the installation of underground conduits.

“The work will be carried out by local Proserpine contractor Copp & Co and will be completed by late October, after which Ergon Energy specialist crews will install the high voltage underground cables” she said.

“Ergon Energy has advised that the work will not interrupt power supply as connection of the new cables will be done using specialist live line techniques.

“The safety of the public is paramount. There will be heavy equipment in the area and I take this opportunity to remind residents to stay well clear of the worksite which will be secured and fenced.

Whitsunday Shire Mayor Mario Demartini welcomed the project saying it would provide a long-term benefit to the Cannonvale area in terms of reinforcing the network.

“I applaud Ergon Energy on its commitment to regional communities like Cannonvale and reducing the impact of cyclones have on local communities with significant investment in projects like this,” Cr Demartini said.

Minister Wilson said 11,000 volt power lines were the important backbone which feed low-voltage lines supplying suburban streets.

“They have the biggest impact on the reliability of key community infrastructure such as water and sewerage pumping, emergency services, supermarkets and hospitals" he said.

"In a cyclone, the loss of a single high-voltage line can black out several suburbs or part of a town. In contrast the loss of a low-voltage line may affect only a street or a few houses," Mr Wilson said.

The Minister said Ergon Energy was pleased to be able to bring such a significant project to Cannonvale and the organisation looked forward to working with the local community to deliver the benefits of the project.

The project is expected to be completed by mid November.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819