New transmission line boosts electricity supply to Mackay region

The recent completion of a $62 million Powerlink Queensland transmission line will reinforce bulk electricity supply to the Mackay region, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

“Powerlink has built an additional 132kV transmission line between its substations at Nebo and Pioneer Valley, near Walkerston,” Mr Wilson said.

“The project will boost the high voltage electricity supply to the rapidly growing Mackay region.”

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin welcomed the announcement.

“Electricity demand in the Mackay region is forecast to increase by more than five percent per year over the next five years,” Mr Mulherin said.

“This strong growth in electricity demand is being driven by industrial, commercial and residential use and significant mining developments in the region.

“The new transmission line project is vital infrastructure to help underpin our future economic development and continued prosperity in the Mackay region.”

Mr Wilson said Powerlink was investing more than $450 million in the high voltage transmission network in the Central Queensland region surrounding Mackay.

Other Powerlink projects in the region include a recently completed transmission line between Nebo and Mindi and a new transmission lines currently under construction between Broadsound and Nebo and Nebo and Strathmore, near Collinsville.

Powerlink Queensland Chief Executive, Gordon Jardine thanked the local community and affected landowners for their cooperation throughout the construction of the Nebo to Pioneer Valley transmission line project.

“Powerlink has been working closely with landowners, and used a number of methods to help minimise the impact of construction activities on the community, including using helicopters to attach the powerlines to the new transmission towers to reduce on-ground disturbance and traffic interruptions,” Mr Jardine said.

Powerlink recently provided more than $200,000 to community groups in the Mackay and Central Queensland region through its Bowen Basin Community Benefits Program (CBP).

Mr Jardine said Powerlink’s Community Benefits Program aimed to provide funding for community projects which delivered tangible and lasting benefits to local communities in the close vicinity of new transmission line projects.

“Fourteen community groups in the Mackay and Central Queensland region shared in more than $200,000 as part of the Bowen Basin CBP to undertake worthwhile community projects, including installing shade shelters at Eton State School and installing a pump, bore and pipeline at the Clarke Creek Community Precinct,” he said.

Media contact: Minister’s office Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332

Powerlink: Melissa Azzopardi, 3860 2806, 0418 181 538