Ergon ready for action in storm season

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson told State Parliament today that Ergon Energy was at the frontline during the floods in regional Queensland, repairing poles and restoring power.

“In the summer storm season, it’s not a matter of if we lose power, but when, and it’s been reassuring to see Ergon Energy workers out in the field, restoring power to homes and businesses,” Mr Wilson said.

“It’s not a nine to five job, it can be hazardous and for that we owe those workers our thanks,” he said.

Minister Wilson said Ergon Energy had recruited and trained extra staff especially for the storm season.

“Only last week, I welcomed 12 of Ergon Energy’s newest recruits who will join 54 new apprentices at depots right around the state,” he said.

“They were chosen from a field of around 1200 applicants – that’s fewer than 5%. It means Ergon has been able to recruit the best of the best.

“They will join around 300 other apprentices in Ergon Energy’s vast network,” he said.

The Minister said Ergon Energy had a proud record of retaining apprentices.

“95% complete their apprentices and the vast majority stay with the organisation for the long-term,” he said.

“Apprenticeships include power line workers, systems electricians, communication technicians and mechanical fitters.

Last year, Ergon Energy spent $660 million on its electricity network, over 100 million more than the year before.

“Ergon Energy is in the middle of a five-year capital works program that’s delivering a massive $3.2 billion boost to the network.

“Last year, two new multi-million dollar control centres opened in Townsville and Rockhampton.

“They will revolutionise the way Ergon responds to emergencies because for the first time, control centre operators will have control of almost all of its vast network.

“Either one will be able to take over in an emergency and they are backed by ey’re backed by facilities in Cairns, Maryborough, Mackay and Toowoomba with crews on 24 hour duty at depots across the state.

“And that’s no mean feat when you consider a network of around a million power poles, 150,000 kilometres of powerlines and more than 300 substations.

“Ergon Energy has also returned to its roots in regional Queensland with the transfer of key senior staff to the regions,” he said.

“The Premier has made it clear that the Government’s attention would focus on the needs of regional Queensland.

“It’s a move in the right direction, and the main beneficiaries of a better, regional network will be Ergon Energy’s 600,000 customers from Bamaga to Birdsville and everywhere in between,” Mr Wilson said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819