Major new FNQ transmission line nearing completion

A new high voltage powerline between Tully and Innisfail was nearing completion, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Mr Wilson said Powerlink’s new high voltage powerline was a key piece of infrastructure that would help meet future electricity demand in Far North Queensland.

“Powerlink has advised me that this essential new infrastructure is expected to be completed in July, weather permitting,” Minister Wilson said.

“I understand that there are only two towers left to erect out of a total of 170, and that line stringing is more than 60 per cent completed.”

Communities which will benefit from the transmission line include Innisfail, El Arish and Mission Beach.

Mr Wilson said the Tully to Innisfail transmission line was part of Powerlink’s broader program to replace the aging 132-kilovolt coastal transmission line network between Townsville and Cairns.

The coastal network supports the 275kV inland main grid between Townsville and Cairns, and also delivers bulk electricity supply to Cardwell, Tully, Innisfail and Edmonton.

Mr Wilson said the existing 132-kilovolt coastal transmission line network between Townsville and Cairns had needed replacing.

“The old line has operated for around 50 years in a harsh tropical environment, and now requires progressive replacement to ensure a reliable supply of electricity can be maintained to the Far North into the future.

“The completion of the Tully to Innisfail line will be followed by the construction of a replacement transmission line between Innisfail and Edmonton next year, and the replacement of existing lines south from Tully towards Townsville in the years ahead.”

Powerlink Chief Executive Gordon Jardine thanked landowners and communities in the vicinity of the new Tully to Innisfail transmission line project for their patience and understanding during the ongoing construction activities.

“We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the landowners whose properties are traversed by easements for the new transmission line during the construction phase of the project,” Mr Jardine said.

Mr Jardine said all landowners affected by new easements for the transmission line were entitled to compensation in accordance with the Acquisition of Land Act 1967.

“Compensation negotiations with landowners are well advanced. We have reached agreement with, and paid compensation to 70 of the 86 private landowners who have been affected by easements for the new transmission line, and are continuing to finalise compensation with the small number of remaining landowners.”

Powerlink encourages landowners to obtain independent valuation and legal advice regarding compensation and will meet the reasonable costs of this independent advice provided agreement is reached. When agreement is reached, Powerlink will also pay interest on the agreed compensation amount from the date the easement was gazetted.

Mr Jardine said a number of the 14 community groups who had benefited from Powerlink’s $108,000 Tully Innisfail Community Benefits Fund had advised they had successfully completed their community projects.

“The Community Benefits Fund program provides financial support for worthwhile projects that deliver tangible and lasting benefits to local communities in close proximity to new transmission line projects,” Mr Jardine said.

“Funding provided for projects though the Community Benefits Program is separate, and in addition to the compensation paid to property owners directly affected by the transmission line project.

“A number of the local groups have reported completion of their projects supported through the fund, including upgraded sporting facilities at the Silkwood School and the purchase of new sporting equipment by the Coconuts Outrigger Club.”

Mr Jardine said Powerlink placed great value on building lasting partnerships with local groups to deliver benefits to communities near its transmission lines.

“We look forward to continuing to work cooperatively with the local communities in Far North Queensland to deliver essential electricity infrastructure projects needed to underpin the region’s economic growth.”

Media Inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332.