$37 million powerline boosts electricity supply to Bowen Basin region

A $37 million Powerlink Queensland transmission line project to reinforce electricity supply in the inland central Queensland mining area was up and running, Minister for Mines and Energy Geoff Wilson said today.

“Powerlink built a new 68 kilometre high voltage powerline between its existing substations at Lilyvale and Blackwater,” Mr Wilson said.

“The project will boost the high voltage electricity supply to the southern Bowen Basin mining area and Queensland Rail’s electrified coal network system that transports coal in the area.

Member for Fitzroy Jim Pearce said the Bowen Basin coal mining region produced around 85 per cent of Queensland’s coal.

“The new transmission line project is vital infrastructure to help underpin the economic development in the mining industry in the region,” Mr Pearce said.

“Electricity demand in the area is forecast to grow at an average of four percent each year for the next few years.

“This growth is being driven by mining industry developments in the southern Bowen Basin, around the towns of Biloela, Moura, Blackwater and Emerald,” he said.

Powerlink Chief Executive, Gordon Jardine thanked the local community and landowners for their cooperation throughout the project.

“Powerlink has been working closely with local residents, and used a number of methods to help reduce the impact on the community.

“We used helicopters during the final stages of construction to help reduce on-ground disturbance,” he said.

“Powerlink would also like to thank everyone involved in the construction of the new line, including Powerlink staff, construction contractor Balfour Beatty United Group, and Ergon Energy.”

Media inquiries: Brooke Johnson (07) 3224 7332