Construction commences on new powerline

Construction has started on a new high voltage powerline which will reinforce electricity supply to North Queensland, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The 165km Powerlink transmission line will run from Nebo, inland from Mackay, to Strathmore near Collinsville.

Mr Wilson said summer peak electricity demand in North Queensland was expected to grow at around 3% per annum in the next 10 years.

The new transmission line between the Nebo and Strathmore substations would help reinforce electricity supply to the region, he said.

“The majority of electricity demand in North Queensland is associated with industrial, commercial and residential loads in the coastal centres between Mackay and Cairns, and significant mining loads in the Bowen Basin,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Nebo to Strathmore transmission line is the second stage of a major investment to reinforce electricity supply to North Queensland.

“Construction on the first stage of the project, a new 275-kilovolt powerline between Broadsound and Nebo is well advanced and expected to be completed in winter 2008.

“The third and final stage of this project will see the new transmission line extended further north from Strathmore to Ross, in Townsville.”

Powerlink Chief Operating Officer, Simon Bartlett, said Powerlink had a strong commitment to engaging with affected communities and obtaining valued local input into projects.

“Consultation on the project commenced in late 2005. We will be continuing to work closely with landowners during the construction phase to help reduce the inconvenience of the works,” Mr Bartlett said.

Mr Bartlett said that construction would be undertaken in accordance with a comprehensive Environmental Management Plan (EMP) to help manage any potential environmental impacts. The new transmission line will be constructed mostly on an existing easement alongside an existing transmission line.

“If anyone in the community has any questions about our construction activities, they’re welcome to call us at the Powerlink Mackay site office on (07) 4940 7700,” Mr Bartlett said.

Construction on the Nebo to Strathmore project is expected to be completed by winter 2009.