$110 million power boost for Fraser Coast

One of the biggest logistical exercises ever undertaken on the Fraser Coast, involving two mighty 155 tonne transformers, dual high-voltage power lines and more than $110 million, was officially opened today by Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson.

Minister Wilson said more than 40,000 residents and businesses on the Fraser Coast would be the big winners out of the massive power boost to the region.

“It was a long journey to get to where we are today. Prime movers carried the two transformers more than 300 km from Brisbane,” Mr Wilson said.

“The transformers were 22 metres long, five metres wide and eight metres high. They needed a wide berth to get to Wide Bay.

“At openings such as this, it’s timely to reflect on the effort that goes into these projects and what it actually takes to deliver a more secure and reliable power supply for the region.

“This is about the Bligh Government planning for and managing growth,” Mr Wilson said.

He congratulated Ergon Energy and Powerlink Queensland – two government-owned corporations - for working together to deliver the project on time.

The Minister said the Ergon’s $70 million switching station at Aramara, and Powerlink’s $40 million substation at Teebar Creek, would significantly strengthen electricity supplies to the Fraser Coast.

The twin projects also include dual high-voltage power lines between the two sites to provide greater security of supply for the Fraser Coast.

“This new infrastructure reinforces the backbone of the system that supplies electricity to the Maryborough and Hervey Bay areas,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Fraser Coast is growing fast and the demand for power is expected to exceed 4.5% a year, well into the future.

Member for Hervey Bay, Andrew McNamara described the project as a large-scale solution to secure a reliable electricity supply for the long term.

“I thank the local community for their patience during the work. I was delighted when Powerlink’s two transformers were delivered.

“They play a vital role in converting high voltage electricity from the transmission network down to a lower voltage suitable for Ergon’s network.

“Homes and businesses on the Fraser Coast will be the ultimate beneficiaries of a better, more reliable power supply,” Mr NcNamara said.

The Aramara switching station was one of the largest projects undertaken by Ergon Energy.

All of the power for the region will now come into the Aramara switching station from Teebar Creek and can be distributed through feeders, primarily to Ergon Energy’s bulk supply points in Maryborough, Bundaberg, Isis and Kilkivan.

Minister Wilson said peak demand for electricity would continue to grow in the Fraser Coast over the next five years.

“We’re investing in more than an electricity network. We’re investing in the people who live and work on the Fraser Coast by giving them a more secure and reliable power supply now and well into the future,” Mr Wilson said.

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