Around 5000 homes and businesses in the Beenleigh area will benefit from a new $6.7 million substation being built in Beenleigh North, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The new Energex substation, which will be located on Spanns Road, will house a 25MVA 33/11kV transformer and associated electrical equipment.

The upgrade to the local electrical network will also include the installation of a new underground power cable from the substation along Spanns Road to Brisbane-Beenleigh Road.

Homes and businesses in parts of Beenleigh, Bethania, Holmview, Waterford and Edens Landing will benefit from the improved electricity supply from the new substation.

Mr Wilson said the new substation was needed to meet the growing demand for power in the area.

“The Beenleigh area has seen significant residential and commercial growth in the past few years and that growth is set to continue in years to come,” he said.

“The substation currently powering the area is running close to capacity, so the new substation and associated works will ensure we can meet this increase in demand without putting undue pressure on the existing infrastructure.”

Member for Waterford Evan Moorhead welcomed the capital works.

“The State Government and Energex are committed to providing a reliable electricity network on the Gold Coast and throughout South East Queensland,” Mr Moorhead said.

“Importantly, the upgrade will give the area the means to expand and continue to create local jobs without placing undue pressure on the electrical network.”

Mr Moorhead said the upgrade would also give Energex technicians more options to divert electricity from other parts of the network should unexpected interruptions occur, which would ultimately mean a more reliable electricity supply.

Construction of the substation and work to install the new sections of the electricity network has commenced, and all work is expected to be completed by August.

Mr Moorhead thanked residents and motorists in advance on behalf of Energex for their patience while work was being carried out.

He said Energex would take all reasonable measures to reduce inconvenience to the community during this important upgrade to the local power network.

The project is part of a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program currently being undertaken by Energex.

In the 2007-08 financial year Energex is investing around $800 million on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $300 million-plus has been set aside to maintain and operate the network – an overall average of more than $3 million a day.

Media Inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332.