Major electricity upgrade in Beenleigh

Work has started on a $10 million project to upgrade Energex’s Beenleigh substation on Milne Street, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

The upgrade will include the installation of two new modular buildings to house new electrical equipment, replacement of existing power cables and powerlines with new equipment, and the installation of two new 80MVA transformers.

Mr Wilson said there was a growing demand for power in the Beenleigh area.

“In the past few years there has been significant residential and commercial growth in the southern Logan City and northern Gold Coast area and this growth is set to continue in years to come,” Mr Wilson said.

“This $10 million upgrade at the Milne Street substation will complement the new $6.7 million substation currently under construction on Spanns Road.”

Member for Waterford Evan Moorhead welcomed the upgrade.

“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 upgrades will also give Energex technicians more options to divert electricity from other parts of the network should unexpected interruptions occur.

“This will ultimately mean a more reliable electricity supply,” he said.

While most of the works will occur within the substation site, some excavation, heavy vehicle movement and footpath obstructions will be necessary to complete the upgrade. All work is expected to be completed by October 2009.

On behalf of Energex, Mr Moorhead thanked residents and motorists in advance for their patience while work is completed, and said Energex would take all reasonable measures to reduce inconvenience to the community during the upgrade.

The project is part of a record $4 billion-plus five-year capital expenditure program currently being undertaken by Energex. In the 2008-09 financial year Energex is investing around $830 million on upgrades to its electricity network while a further $340 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.