Powerful upgrades for Wesley Hospital

A $5.4 million project to upgrade the electricity supply to Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital and surrounding suburbs is underway, Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The Energex upgrade will include the installation of new underground electricity cables along Railway Terrace, Manning Street, Douglas Street, Kilroe Street, Roy Parade, Chasley Street and the Wesley Hospital access road.

Road crossings will occur at Granzella Street near the corner of Milton Road, Cribb Street near the corner of McDougall Street, and Park Road near the corner of Railway Terrace.

All work is expected to be completed by March 2009.

Mr Wilson said the upgrade to the hospital’s power supply was designed to cater for the increased energy requirement resulting from the hospital’s redevelopment.

“As with any growth in essential services, the redevelopment of the Wesley Hospital will result in an increased demand for electricity,” he said.

“Energex is committed to delivering safe and reliable power throughout South East Queensland, especially to essential services such as hospitals, so this upgrade to the Wesley Hospital is a priority for us.”

Member for Mt Coot-tha Andrew Fraser said the electricity upgrade would help ensure the growing demands for power from the hospital and surrounding suburbs were met in years to come.

“The State Government and Energex are committed to providing a reliable electricity network in Mt Coot-tha and throughout South East Queensland,” Mr Fraser said.

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

Mr Fraser said there would be some road closures, heavy vehicle movement, noise and excavations while the work was being carried out.

On behalf of Energex, Mr Fraser thanked locals and motorists for their patience during the necessary upgrade, and assured customers that disruptions would be kept to a minimum.

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 – that’s an overall average of more than $3 million a day.

Media Inquiries: Minister Wilson’s office: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332