Queensland Treasurer Andrew Fraser and Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson today announced John Dempsey had been appointed chairman of the Board of Energex.

Mr Dempsey, who has been appointed until 30 September 2011, had been acting chairman since 31 December, 2006.

“Mr Dempsey has extensive experience, in business, in local government and with Energex,” Mr Fraser said.

“He has been a Director of the Energex Board since 1999 and has extensive experience working as a private accountant and is currently principal of an accountancy practice.

“Mr Dempsey also has experience as Deputy Mayor of Cairns, was a member of the Queensland Sugar Industry Tribunal and was Consultative Committee Chair with the Wet Tropics Management Authority.”

Mr Wilson said Ron Monaghan had been appointed as a new Director on the Board of Energex, replacing Ms Grace Grace, who resigned from the Board on 21 September 2007.

“Mr Monaghan is the General Secretary of the Queensland Council of Unions and has extensive union and industrial relations experience, an area of expertise provided to the Energex Board by Ms Grace,” Mr Wilson said.

“I look forward to working with Mr Dempsey, Mr Monagahan and the rest of the Energex Board in ensuring we continue to provide the highest-possible quality of service and electricity supply to the residents of south-east Queensland.”

Energex is currently undertaking a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program.

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: Minister’s office 3224 7332.