Minister inspects $2.5m high voltage transformer at Collinsville

Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson today inspected first-hand the $2.5 million transformer which was recently commissioned by Powerlink Queensland at its Collinsville Substation.

“Earlier this year, electricity supply to Collinsville from the high voltage transmission network was interrupted when both transformers at the Collinsville Substation were damaged,” Mr Wilson said.

“An initial fault on distribution equipment in January, caused by a crow, resulted in permanent damage to one of the transformers,” he said.

In March, lightning struck the other transformer, rendering the substation powerless.

“A crow flew into one and lightning struck the other,” he said.

Mr Wilson said Powerlink and Ergon Energy had worked around the clock to install an initial replacement transformer at Collinsville in March.

“Powerlink subsequently commissioned a second replacement transformer in June to return the substation to its normal operations,” he said.

"Powerlink advised me that the installation of the initial replacement transformer was one of the most complex emergency restoration projects they had ever undertaken.

“The site inspection today has highlighted the many technical and logistical challenges faced by everyone involved at the time of the incident,” Mr Wilson said.

“The replacement transformer installed in June weighs around 82-tonnes and was transported 2250km from South Australia on a 48-wheel low loader.

“A 230-tonne crane was brought into Collinsville to position the transformer on its new foundations and more than 50 people were involved in the design, delivery, installation, and commissioning of the transformer,” he said.

During his visit to the Collinsville Substation, Mr Wilson again paid tribute to the Collinsville community for their patience and understanding during the March outage.

“Earlier this year, I extended my sincere thanks to the local Collinsville community, and in particular, Bowen Shire Council, the local business community including the Collinsville Workers Club, and the Collinsville Lions Club.

“I would like to again acknowledge the support and positive approach they displayed in March – they are to be commended," Mr Wilson said.

Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine said normally, the Collinsville Substation has two transformers, either of which is capable of meeting the electricity needs of the local community.

“With the commissioning of the second transformer in June there are again two high voltage transformers in place at the substation, either of which can supply the entire Collinsville area if there is an unexpected incident that results in one of the transformers being taken off line,” Mr Jardine said.

Media contact: Minister’s Office Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332

Powerlink Melissa Azzopardi 0418 181 538